THERE will be enough rice supply until the end of 2010, the government assured. Deputy Presidential spokesperson Gary Olivar on Wednesday said this answered the query why the Department of Agriculture (DA) was rushing to import rice last year -- to prepare the country for unforeseen phenomenon like El Nino. For updates from around the country, follow Sun.Star on Twitter Olivar said it was helpful that the DA had imported large tons of rice for inventory since last year resulting to sufficient supply of rice despite great demand in the middle of dry season.

“I am aware that the DA has reported that it is fortunate they have imported and had a forward purchase of additional rice for this year. At that time, many were criticizing the ‘why are they rushing to import, it is too early?’ Now we know,” Olivar said.

The Philippines has imported millions of tons of rice since November following the havoc wreaked by Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, which ruined rice fields.

The early importation has gained queries from different sectors connecting rush rice purchase to elections in May 10 considering rice as political commodity.

Apart from politicking, the administration said that because of early purchase of rice the country was able to sustain the effects of El Nino.

“Now we are assured that they are doing (their duty) to ensure that there is ample supply this year despite the effects of El Nino. This assurance is given to us by the DA, thank you to their early move to address the problem,” Olivar said.

Despite assurance of the government of stable rice supply, rice prices are still seen to increase due to decline in rice production.

Several provinces have been placed under state of calamity because of the heavy effects of drought which was expected to linger until June.

With this, Olivar made an appeal to traders not to resort to profiteering and hoarding.

“Well, we our warning to traders is always there. Don’t make profit from the problems of the country. Hoarding, speculation, profiteering...these are all offenses punishable by law and the DA and any other concerned agencies,” he said.

The Palace official assured that they will continue to monitor the behavior of traders and will not hesitate to punish and penalize whoever maybe caught of taking advantage of national emergency. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)