GRECON Launches ARAA Campaign for Rice Security
UNITY IN ACTION official group photos: GRECON National and Regional leaders launch the ARAA Campaign, solidifying their commitment as the backbone of the rice retail industry, National and Regional Presidents led by James Magbanua and Orly Manuntag during the ARAA Campaign launch, discussing rice market stabilization and NFA partnership ( Photos courtesy of Orly Manuntag)
GRECON Launches ARAA Campaign
By: Celso M. Cajucom
The Grains Retailers Confederation of the Philippines (GRECON), the nation’s premier grains retailers’ association since 1980, has officially launched its strategic roadmap to navigate the post-NFA retail landscape and rescue the local rice industry from market instability.
Spearheaded by National President James Magbanua, the organization initiated theARAA Campaign—a mission to ensure that rice remains Affordable, Reasonable, Accessible, and Available for Filipino consumers across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The nationwide ARAA Campaign was officially set into motion during a high-level conference held in Iloilo City on February 7, 2026. GRECON leaders and stakeholders gathered to unify their efforts, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to stabilizing rice prices and securing the food supply chain for every Filipino family.
In an exclusive interview with Breaking News,Spokesperson Orly Manuntag revealed that the high-level meeting of regional presidents addressed the “disconnect” caused by R.A. 11203 (Rice Tariffication Law) in 2019. Manuntag emphasized that despite these challenges, the 46-year-old institution remains the “backbone” of the local rice retail industry.
Ending the Nightmare for Farmers Manuntag pointed out that the temporary disconnection between the NFA and retailers left local farmers helpless against the “widespread unscrupulous traders” nationwide. Under the current mandate, the NFA is restricted to buffer stocking, causing a dilemma for farmers who are often forced to deal with biased traders.
“We are working independently but remain committed to being the National Government’s vital partner in the food security program,” Manuntag stated. He highlighted GRECON’s 39-year history as the NFA’s marketing arm, a role they are ready to re-assume to stabilize prices and support local producers.
A Call for Resilience
As GRECON fixes the “trouble” caused by open trade and the controversial RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) issues, the group aims to bring local farmers back on track. Through the ARAA program, GRECON is positioning itself as the bridge that will wake the industry from its worst nightmare and restore order to the rice market.
(As rice prices fluctuate across the ASEAN region, GRECON’s ARAA Campaign serves as a local model for private-sector led food security that other neighboring rice-producing nations can observe.)- Breakingnewsonline.ph
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GRECON TECHNICAL RESEARCH: The ARAA Implementation Strategy
According to internal research and strategic blueprints from the Grains Retailers Confederation of the Philippines (GRECON), the ARAA framework is more than a slogan—it is a data-driven response to the current market instability. Their research highlights the following operational goals:
- Affordability through Direct Sourcing: GRECON research indicates that shortening the supply chain by connecting farmers directly to retail clusters can reduce consumer prices by as much as 10-15%. By bypassing unnecessary middlemen, the “Affordable” pillar becomes a sustainable reality rather than a temporary discount.
- Reasonable Pricing vs. Market Volatility: Based on GRECON’s market monitoring data, “Reasonable” pricing is maintained by establishing a “Fair Trade” ceiling. This prevents predatory pricing during lean months, ensuring that retailers earn a honest living while protecting the Filipino family’s budget.
- Strategic Accessibility & Logistics: GRECON’s nationwide mapping identifies key logistical bottlenecks. Their strategy involves utilizing regional hubs to ensure that rice “Accessibility” is not hindered by geographic isolation, especially in disaster-prone provinces.
- Availability and Buffer Monitoring: Data-driven inventory tracking allows GRECON members to signal potential shortages before they hit the market. This “Availability” research acts as an early warning system against hoarding and artificial price hikes.
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Google Insight: the Impact” Section:
Industry Insight on Grecon’s Growth: According to market insights on local infrastructure and development, projects like Grecon serve as vital indicators of a city’s economic maturity. In the Philippine setting, the success of such enterprises often correlates with increased investor confidence and local employment opportunities.
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