By Kenneth Marcos In a modest office in the province, Maria, an NFA employee for over two decades, pins her ID with pride. “Iba ‘yung pakiramdam na alam mong nakakatulong ka para may bigas ang bawat mesa,” she says. Like her, thousands of other workers nationwide are celebrating not just another year, but a legacy of public service.
On September 26, 2025, the National Food Authority (NFA) marks its 53rd anniversary, highlighting more than five decades of commitment to ensuring affordable and accessible rice for all Filipinos.
This year’s theme, anchored in “Bagong Pilipinas,” emphasizes reform, unity, and service, reflecting the agency’s renewed direction in strengthening food security amid the ever-changing challenges faced by the agriculture sector.
Honoring Dedication and Service
To commemorate the milestone, the NFA will hold a Recognition and Awarding Ceremony for employees who have shown exceptional performance and for those reaching key milestones in government service. These individuals play a vital role in maintaining the country’s rice buffer stock, ensuring stable supply, especially during calamities and lean months.
The agency will also pay tribute to its stakeholders—from farmers and millers to retailers—who have been instrumental in achieving NFA’s mission of food sufficiency and price stability.
A Celebration of Talent and Unity
Beyond the formal rites, NFA added a festive touch to the celebration through two national competitions: “Talentadong Tatlo”, a trio performance contest, and the “SB19 Dance Contest,” inspired by the popular Filipino pop group.
These contests aim to showcase the creativity, unity, and energy of NFA employees across the country. The official entries will premiere online on September 11, 2025, through the agency’s BigasNFA Facebook page, bringing the spirit of the celebration closer to communities.
By blending official ceremonies with light-hearted contests, the agency hopes to boost morale among employees and build stronger connections with the public.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Since its creation in 1972 (originally as the National Grains Authority), the NFA has undergone various reforms to adapt to the needs of the times. From direct rice procurement to warehouse operations and price monitoring, its core function remains: to safeguard the staple food of Filipinos.
In recent years, the agency has focused more on buffer stocking and emergency rice distribution, especially under the Rice Tariffication Law. Despite reduced market intervention, the NFA continues to be a critical player during natural disasters and supply disruptions.
With rising food prices and climate-related threats, NFA’s role remains crucial. The agency is now working more closely with LGUs and the private sector to strengthen its capacity and reach.
As it turns 53, the NFA is not just celebrating longevity—it is renewing its promise to serve the Filipino people with integrity and dedication.
“Hindi lang ito trabaho. Serbisyo ito para sa bawat Pilipino,” said an NFA regional director during the pre-anniversary press briefing.
A Call to Remember
As the country celebrates this milestone with the NFA, it’s also a reminder of the unseen heroes working quietly to keep food on every table. In challenging times, it is agencies like the NFA—and the people behind them—that help carry the nation forward.
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