What is NFA? A Brief Overview to the National Food Authority (Philippines)

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The National Food Authority (NFA), abbreviated as Pambansang Pangasiwaan ng Pagkain in Filipino, operates as an agency within the Philippine government under the Department of Agriculture. 

The National Food Authority (NFA) is tasked with a crucial responsibility—to ensure the food security of the Philippines by maintaining stability in the supply and pricing of rice, the country’s staple grain.

In this article, we will dive into the history, jobs, and other essential information about the National Food Authority (NFA). 

Keep on reading to further gain insights into the National Food Authority (NFA) role, operations, and significance in ensuring the food security of the Philippines. 

Scroll down to discover the various job opportunities available within the National Food Authority.

Job Opportunities:

Start exploring various career possibilities within the National Food Authority (NFA), which offers different roles and positions.

Find the latest job openings below or check out more career options in various government agencies.

Click on the job title to access detailed descriptions and instructions on the application process. Your next career move might be just a click away!

History of the National Food Authority:

The National Food Authority (NFA) has a rich history marked by significant changes in its mission and functions. 

Established through Presidential Decree No. 4 on September 26, 1972, under the name National Grains Authority (NGA), its initial mission was to foster the integrated growth and development of the grains industry, covering rice, corn, feed grains, sorghum, mongo, and peanuts. 

This decree led to the abolition of two agencies, the Rice and Corn Board (RICOB) and the Rice and Corn Administration (RCA), with their functions absorbed by the National Food Authority (NFA).

The NGA played a crucial role in supporting the Masagana’99 Program, geared toward achieving rice self-sufficiency. 

It engaged in massive paddy procurement at government support prices, leading the country to join the family of rice-exporting nations from 1977 to 1981.

On January 14, 1981, Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1770 reconstituted the NGA into the National Food Authority (NFA), expanding its social responsibilities and commodity coverage. 

This included not only grains but also other food items like fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and various processed or packaged food products, collectively termed non-grains commodities. 

The decree laid the foundation for the establishment of Kadiwa stores, government retail outlets selling affordable basic food and household items.

Executive Order No. 1028, issued on May 31, 1985, marked the deregulation of National Food Authority (NFA) non-grains marketing activities, resulting in the termination of non-grains trading and the return of feedgrains and wheat importation to the private sector. 

The end of 1986 saw all Kadiwa Stores devolved to the private sector or closed.

On May 5, 2014, Executive Order No. 165 reassigned the National Food Authority (NFA) to the Office of the President, tasking it with ensuring the country’s food security and the stability of rice supply and prices. 

The National Food Authority (NFA) performed these functions through various activities, including paddy procurement, buffer stocking, processing, and strategic distribution.

A significant shift occurred on February 14, 2019, with the approval of Republic Act No. 11203, known as the Rice Tariffication Law. 

This law transformed the National Food Authority (NFA) from a Trading and Regulatory Agency to a Buffer Stocking Agency. Its focus shifted to acquiring, maintaining, and distributing rice buffer stock sourced solely from local farmers. 

The law mandated the National Food Authority (NFA) to distribute rice during emergencies and calamities, supporting the government’s disaster relief program. 

Effective March 5, 2019, the National Food Authority (NFA) ceased its regulatory and licensing functions over the international and domestic trading of rice. 

These changes reflect the dynamic evolution of the NFA’s role in the context of agricultural and economic developments.

Understanding NFA: Vision, Mission, Tasks, and Values

Discover what guides the National Food Authority (NFA) – its vision for the future, the mission it’s on, the important tasks it has to do (mandate and functions), and the values that drive its actions. 

Get ready for a simple breakdown of what makes the National Food Authority (NFA) work every day. Check the reference section for more details!

Mission:

“To procure palay from local farmers and sustain an optimal level of rice grain inventory strategically located across the country, through an efficient , measurable, verifiable, interconnected system of rice grain procurement, quality maintenance, and distribution during times of disasters of crisis.”

Vision:

“To be national authority of food, able to ensure that there is sufficient capacity in the country to maintain enough rice grain food to feed everyone.”

Mandate:

“Ensure the food security of the country by maintaining an optimal level of rice grain inventory to be sourced solely from local farmers and distributing them during times of emergencies and sustaining the disaster relief program of the government.”

CORE VALUES:

• “Professionalism

• Service Excellence

• Accountability

• Organizational Awareness and Commitment

• Interpersonal Relations”

Organizational Structure:

Explore the core of the National Food Authority (NFA) through its organizational structure.

Delve into the framework that defines roles, responsibilities, and seamless collaboration within the agency. 

For detailed confirmation, please refer to the reference section provided for an in-depth understanding of National Food Authority (NFA) organizational design.

National Food Authority

Contact Details:

Contact information for various regions and branch offices of the National Food Authority (NFA) is provided below. 

If you need to reach out to a specific office, you can refer to the designated contact person and hotline number listed.

REGION / BRANCH OFFICECONTACT PERSONHOTLINE NUMBER
Central Office0917-113-9347
Region I : Ilocos Region0945-782-8365
Ilocos Norte, Abra, Ilocos Sur0906-507-9522
La Union, Benguet0945-588-6003
(072) 682-9011
Eastern Pangasinan, Western Pangasinan0995-520-9620
Region II : Cagayan Valley0955-293-7446
Cagayan, Allacapan / Apayao, Kalinga0908-173-2270
Isabela(078) 305-0628
Nueva Viscaya, Mt. Province, Quirino(078) 392-0130
0945-407-0788
Region III : Central Luzon0967-214-2098
0967-214-2098
Bulacan0977-650-7580
Nueva Ecija, Aurora(044) 958-2328
0995-512-1569
Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales0966-883-7648
(045) 455-0562
Tarlac0968-882-7471
Region IV : Southern Tagalog0906-500-7528
Batangas, Romblon0948-589-6229
Laguna, Infanta0966-736-6501
Occidental Mindoro, Mamburao0927-393-7954
Oriental Mindoro0917-123-3033
Palawan0917-122-9490
Quezon, Marinduque0917-153-8414
Region V : Bicol Region0920-234-0108
(052) 742-0433
Albay, Catanduanes0939-434-9663
Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte0921-667-4080
Sorsogon, Masbate0939-329-4507
Region VI : Western Visayas0917-170-0953
Capiz, Aklan0995-814-8766
Iloilo, Antique0917-170-0943
Negros Occidental0966-350-7243
Region VII : Central Visayas0915-846-5034
Bohol0917-105-4741
Cebu0917-137-8794
Negros Oriental, Siquijor0917-139-3876
Region VIII : Eastern Visayas0926-717-8789
0945-531-3319
Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte(053) 888-4789
0927-717-8789
Northern Samar, E. Samar, W. Samar0938-249-3782
Region IX : Western Mindanao0995-033-0227
Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Sibugay (Ipil)0917-105-2059
Zamboanga Sur, Zamboanga Norte0907-876-3859
Region X : Northern Mindanao0936-944-3539
Bukidnon0928-198-6340
Lanao Norte, Misamis Occidental0955-961-1220
Misamis Oriental, Cam0905-413-6905
Region XI : Southern MindanaoChristine Mae L. Castro0962-065-7092
Davao Norte, Compostela Valley0910-581-1211
(084) 216-6474
Davao de Oro (satellite office)0981-083-0631
Davao Oriental0975-502-6824
0970-879-1062
(087) 237-2539
Davao City (satellite office)(082) 226-6438
Davao Sur, Davao Sur0970-923-8791
(082) 237-2539
Region XII : Central Mindanao0955-591-6744
North Cotabato(084) 471-7785
South Cotabato (Marbel), GSC/Sarangani(083) 228-6412
Sultan Kudarat(064) 577-1743
Region XIII : National Capital Region0919-000-5158
Central District, North District, Batanes0945-345-0858
Manila
Quezon City
San Juan
Caloocan

Note: The information provided in the table represents contact details for various National Food Authority (NFA) regions and branch offices, including the designated contact person and hotline numbers for each office.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the National Food Authority (NFA):

1. What is the National Food Authority (NFA)?

The National Food Authority (NFA) is a government agency in the Philippines operating under the Department of Agriculture. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the food security of the country, particularly in maintaining stability in the supply and pricing of rice, the staple grain.

2. When was the National Food Authority (NFA) established?

The NFA was created through Presidential Decree No. 4 on September 26, 1972, initially under the name National Grains Authority (NGA).

3. What is the main responsibility of the NFA?

The primary responsibility of the NFA is to ensure the food security of the Philippines by maintaining an optimal level of rice grain inventory sourced from local farmers and distributing them during emergencies and crises.

4. How has the NFA’s role evolved over the years?

The NFA has undergone significant changes in its mission and functions over the years. Initially focused on rice and corn, it later expanded to cover various grains and non-grains commodities.

5. What significant laws have impacted the NFA’s functions?

Presidential Decree No. 1770 in 1981 and Republic Act No. 11203, known as the Rice Tariffication Law, in 2019 are two significant laws that transformed the NFA’s functions, shifting it from a Trading and Regulatory Agency to a Buffer Stocking Agency.

6. How does the NFA contribute to rice self-sufficiency?

The NFA supports programs like Masagana’99, engaging in massive paddy procurement at government support prices. It has played a role in the country’s temporary inclusion in the family of rice-exporting nations from 1977 to 1981.

7. What are the core values of the NFA?

The NFA upholds the following core values: Professionalism, Service Excellence, Accountability, Organizational Awareness and Commitment, and Interpersonal Relations.

8. How can I explore job opportunities within the NFA?

You can explore various career possibilities within the NFA by checking the latest job openings in this article. Click on the job title to access detailed descriptions and instructions on the application process.

9. How can I contact the NFA for region-specific inquiries?

Contact information for various regions and branch offices is available on the NFA website. Refer to the provided hotline numbers and contact persons for specific regions.

10. How has the NFA adapted to recent changes in regulations?

The NFA adapted to recent changes with the approval of Republic Act No. 11203, transforming its focus to become a Buffer Stocking Agency, responsible for acquiring, maintaining, and distributing rice buffer stock sourced solely from local farmers.

11. How does the NFA contribute to disaster relief efforts?

The NFA plays a vital role in disaster relief by maintaining a strategic rice grain inventory. During emergencies or calamities, the NFA distributes rice to support the government’s disaster relief program.

12. What is the significance of the Kadiwa chain of stores?

The Kadiwa stores, established based on Executive Order No. 1028 in 1985, were government retail outlets selling affordable basic food and household items. They were part of the NFA’s efforts to ensure access to essential goods for the public.

13. What are the implications of the Rice Tariffication Law on the NFA’s functions?

The Rice Tariffication Law, enacted through Republic Act No. 11203, transformed the NFA from a Trading and Regulatory Agency to a Buffer Stocking Agency. Its focus shifted to maintaining rice buffer stock and supporting disaster relief programs.

14. How has the NFA’s role adapted to globalization and budgetary considerations?

In response to globalization and efforts to reduce the national budget deficit, the government has explored restructuring, streamlining, or privatizing certain activities of the NFA.

15. How can the public stay informed about changes in NFA policies and programs?

The public can stay informed about changes in NFA policies and programs by regularly checking the official NFA website, where updates, announcements, and relevant information are regularly posted.

Conclusion:

As we conclude our exploration of the National Food Authority (NFA), we’ve dive into its historical evolution, vital roles, and the core values that shape its daily operations. 

From its inception as the National Grains Authority in 1972 to its current role as a key player in ensuring the country’s food security, the NFA has undergone significant transformations.

We’ve also highlighted the agency’s commitment to transparency and accountability, evident in its organizational structure and contact details provided for various regions and branch offices. 

These details serve as a pathway for collaboration, allowing stakeholders and the public to connect with the NFA.

The NFA’s mission, vision, and core values underscore its dedication to procuring palay, maintaining optimal rice grain inventory, and ensuring distribution during emergencies—a testament to its unwavering commitment to the Filipino people.

For those eager to contribute to this noble cause, explore the various job opportunities within the NFA.

Your next career move might just be a click away! Click on the job title to access detailed descriptions and instructions on the application process.

Good luck on your journey!

Disclaimer:

The Philippine Go does not collect fees and is not a hiring agency, nor is it related to any hiring agency for employment abroad. 

All information contained here is solely for informational purposes and rightfully belongs to its rightful owner. 

Attached in the last section of the content are references for further verification, if needed. Read more

Reference:

1. National Food Authority (Philippines). (n.d.). National Food Authority (Philippines) – Wikipedia. Retrieved from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Food_Authority_(Philippines)]

2. National Food Authority. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from [https://nfa.gov.ph/about-us]

3. National Food Authority. (n.d.). Mandate, Functions, Name of Officials. Retrieved from [https://nfa.gov.ph/transparency/mandate-functions-name-of-officials]

4. National Food Authority. (n.d.). Organizational Structure. Retrieved from [https://nfa.gov.ph/about-us/organizational-structure]

5. National Food Authority. (n.d.). Contact – Hotline Numbers. Retrieved from [https://nfa.gov.ph/contact/hotline-numbers]