Ex-San Miguel Foods president is new NFA head

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has appointed former San Miguel Foods president Arthur Juan as the new administrator of the National Food Authority (NFA). Presidential assistant for food security Secretary Francis Pangilinan said Juan, who previously also served as president of Monterey, officially took his oath on Monday. Juan takes over the post vacated by Orlan Calayag, who resigned in May to give Pangilinan the leeway to perform his duties. "To address the supply of rice... We're going to make the process more transparent of rice importation if it comes to that...and put in place reforms and address the debt. The debt of of NFA now is P156 billion. Baka kailangan i-absorb na ng national government yung debt subalit dapat may reforms in place in form of policies," Pangilinan told ANC. Pangilinan also announced the appointment of Romulo N. Rancon Jr. as administrator of the Philippine Coconut Authority. He replaced Euclides Forbes who also resigned in May. Both Calayan and Forbes were recommended to their respective posts by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala. - ANC