By LITO RULONA
Correspondent .
Northern Mindanao Food Authority here in Cagayan de Oro will conduct inspections of local markets to make sure the suggested retail price (SRP) in rice is religiously implemented in all areas in the entire northern Mindanao.
This was the assurance made by NFA-10 spokesperson Hazel Belacho that no less than NFA-10 regional director Dianne Silva has issued memorandum to all managers and employees for full enforcement of SRP in all local markets and rice dealers in the barangays level.
Belacho said the move of Silva is the response of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Manny Pinol that NFA employees who failed to implement the SRP Law would surely lose their job.
On Monday, Pinol issued a directive to all NFA offices that those who fail to enforce the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) for rice in their respective jurisdictions will be relieved immediately and placed on floating status.
Among these guidelines are elimination of Commercial Fancy names like “Senandomeng” and “Super Angelica” and labeling the rice sold as “Regular Milled,” “Well-Milled,” “Premium” and Special Rice; Labeling the rice sold to properly identify “Imported” and “Local” rice;
Observing the agreed SRPs for Regular Milled, Well-Milled and Premium as previously stipulated.
Special Rice will not be covered by the SRPs.
Provincial Managers who will fail to implement the SRPs will be subject to a One-Strike Policy while Regional Directors will similarly be subjected to administrative sanctions, including relief from their posts.
The strict directive to implement the SRP followed persistent reports that there are still traders and retailers who have continued to defy the SRP.
Belacho said Silva for herself issued a memorandum sending all provincial managers and field inspectors to facilitate the printing and installation of price tags and rice box labels.
“Ang pamaagi sa Management is tabangan ang mga rice retailers para maka comply and issuehan ug warning advice ang mga non-compliant. Gihatagan ug 7days para mo-comply. Summon dayun kung still, wala sila nag-comply,” she added.
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