By: Jordeene B. Lagare MANILA, Philippines — The National Food Authority (NFA) has temporarily increased its buying price for locally produced palay , or unmilled rice, to provide relief to rice farmers still grappling with soaring fuel prices. NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said the temporary increase in buying prices applies to select areas nationwide. “This is to replenish stocks and support our farmers in the face of higher fuel prices,” Lacson said in a Viber message on Tuesday. The NFA is implementing the Price Range Scheme (Pricers), a flexible mechanism for buying palay at more competitive prices. Adjusted weekly, buying prices are set at P17 per kilo for fresh or wet palay and P21 per kilo for dry palay. However, the NFA has raised the buying price for palay in parts of the archipelago starting this week. In Central Luzon, dubbed the “rice granary of the Philippines,” the NFA announced that the maximum buying price for clean and dry palay is P30 per kilo for its Bulacan ...