Manila, Feb. 18 -- The National Food Authority (NFA) said it will start releasing its two-month-old stocks to local government units (LGUs) on Wednesday under the food security emergency for rice.

In a text message Tuesday, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said the initial LGUs include San Juan, Valenzuela, Navotas, and Camarines Sur.

The soon-to-age rice stocks will be sold to the said LGUs through the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI) at PHP33 per kilogram.

The LGUs, other government agencies, and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) may then sell it to consumers at PHP35/kg.

The NFA rice release aims to help bring down market prices through the availability of cheaper rice; and free up NFA warehouse spaces for palay pr...