RICE STOCK

• The  country’s  total  rice  stock  level  stood  at  2.76 million metric tons as of December 1, 2002.  It was 5.8 percent higher than its year ago level, primarily influenced by the 20.2 percent increase in the government (NFA) stock holdings.
• Compared to the previous month’s stock position, the December 1 stock level was 10.1  percent  higher. This was because all sectors posted increases from 2.5 to 23.1 percent, indicative of good November palay harvest.
• At an estimated 26,400 metric tons daily requirement, the estimated total rice stock was good for 104 days. By sector, households held an equivalent of 53 days supply while commercial establishments and the government held about 19 and 32 days supply, respectively.

CORN STOCK

• The December 1, 2002 national corn stock inventory was estimated at 241 thousand metric tons. It posted 20.2 and 33.6 percent increments over the previous month and year ago stock levels, respectively.
• The commercial sector reported increased stock levels while the households reported a minimal drop (0.9%) from that of the previous month. Noteworthy is the significant rise in commercial holdings by 43.9 percent (over last month) and 58.0 percent (over last year).
• Around 44 percent of the total corn stocks were with the households. NFA has no reported stocks for the period.