Manila, Jan. 30 -- The National Food Authority (NFA) is studying the possible procurement of corn to aid local farmers amid the declining farmgate prices, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Thursday.

"For 2025, according to NFA, since hindi iyan na (since it's not) programmed for 2025, they will find ways on how procurement for corn can be included in their procurement activities for the year," DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said in an interview.

The NFA has only PHP9 billion under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) for the procurement of palay (unhusked rice) for the national rice buffer stock.

De Mesa said the NFA may look into tapping unprogrammed funds to buy corn this year.

"For the 2026 plan and bu...