Manila, March 6 -- Local government units (LGUs) can now purchase National Food Authority (NFA) rice on credit, Malacanang announced on Thursday.

This developed after Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro met with Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Wednesday.

In a press conference, Castro said he conveyed to Tiu Laurel the sentiment of other LGUs that cannot afford to buy NFA rice in bulk.

Castro said LGUs with insufficient funds need to coordinate with the Food Terminal Terminal Incorporated (FTI) for the credit purchase of NFA rice.

"Ang sabi sa atin ni DA Secretary Laurel, puwedeng kumuha ng bigas, utang, kausapin ang FTI (DA Secretary Laurel told ...