MANILA, Philippines -- The National Food Authority (NFA) has begun pulling out government-subsidized rice from public markets, a spokesman said.

In a text message, Tom Escarez confirmed to INQUIRER.net that it started the pullout last Saturday.

Escarez said they have pulled out the NFA rice from 46 markets in Metro Manila, and ?by tomorrow we expect that we will cover 60% of the 108 markets in Metro Manila,? he said.

The rice pullout was done to focus the distribution of NFA rice to depressed areas.

Escarez said the P25 high variety rice would replace the NFA rice from the markets.