WAREHOUSE AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGEMENT OF NATIONAL FOOD AUTHORITY (NFA) RICE IN THE PHILIPPINES: BEST PRACTICES

This study aims to assess, establish, or strengthen best practices in warehousing and distribution processes of the National Food Authority (NFA) rice. Good Warehouse and Distribution system includes protection from insects, rodents and birds, ease of loading and unloading, efficient use of space, ease of maintenance and management, and prevention of moisture re-entering the grain after drying. The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) mentioned in a Journal dated July 2017 that 25 to 50 percent of the total grain value (Quantity and Quality) was lost between harvest and consumption in developing countries. Proper storage is vital to the stability of the country's grain supply. To achieve this end-goal, good warehouse management must be pursued. The National Food Authority (NFA) is one of the most important policy instrumentalities of the Philippine Government with respect to Agricultural price policy and Food security. The study used a combination of quantitative and qualitative design and methodological that obtained credible evidence and conclusion achieved. Quantitative data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire survey between variables as attested by Saunders et al. (2010) Qualitative data, on the other hand, were gathered through the open interview questions with the respondents to acquire a detailed and comprehensive data about sustainability practices in the supply chain management of NFA rice. The result of the study shows that warehouses whether where it is located, Region III or Region XIII and what type, Owned or Lease do not have a Relative Humidity monitoring device. This device is important in monitoring the moisture content of the warehouse. Maintaining a trucker's equipment checklist are industry practice. It is important to avert any delays that might happen in the distribution of rice.