NFA opens 18 new rice buying stations in Region 8

Manila, Sept. 29 -- The National Food Authority (NFA) has opened 18 more buying stations for palay (unhusked rice) in Eastern Visayas with the onset of peak harvest season in the region.

In a statement on Tuesday, NFA Eastern Visayas director Arlene Tanseco said the initiative is in response to the call of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to step up its procurement to provide farmers better return for their labor.

The food agency has set up the new buying centers in strategic locations in the region -- two in Ormoc City and one each in the cities of Tacloban and Baybay, Hilongos, and Alangalang, all in Leyte; Maasin City, St. Bernard, and Hinunangan in Southern Leyte; Bobon, Laoang, and Catubig in Northern Samar; Borongan City, Oras, an...