(VOV) - The Philippines' National Food Authority (NFA) has announced plans to purchase up to 50,000 metric tons of rice from Vietnam and Thailand, according to NFA Director Renan B Dalisay.

The purchases are being made to ensure there are adequate inventories on hand in the event of a natural disaster, said Dalisay.

Dalisay toured NFA rice stores in Caraga on January 4-6 to check rice reserves and held working sessions with officials in provinces and cities to formulate disaster plans for the upcoming year.