The National Food Authority (NFA) said Thursday it may start procuring white and yellow corn in the second quarter of 2026.

At least 118,000 50-kg. bags are expected to be procured in five pilot regions in the country, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“(We will start) within the first half, but probably not Q1 (first quarter),” NFA Administrator Larry Lacson told the Philippine News Agency in a Viber message.

The pilot regions include Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Cagayan Valley is expected to contribute the largest volume at 40,000 bags, followed by Northern Mindanao (26,000), Soccsksargen (23,000), BARMM (18,000), and Ilocos (11,000).

The DA earlier said it plans to secure PHP500 million to PHP1 billion under the 2026 national budget for the initiative.

Lacson noted that strategies for the release of procured corn are still being studied, emphasizing the need for fast turnover.

“Mabilisan iyan. Kung yellow corn dapat two weeks ma-dispose na iyan (It should be quick. Yellow corn must be disposed of after two weeks). For white corn, gigilingin pa iyan (it will be milled),” he said.

Potential markets include Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) outlets and areas where corn serves as a common alternative to rice. (PNA)