Published March 11, 2021, 8:14 PM As Isabela rice farmers struggle with the twin effects of the Rice Tariffication Law and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, an Isabela-based cooperative avoided bankruptcy and even posted higher earnings due to the direct buying of rice by local government units (LGUs). In an online consultation with farmers in Isabela Thursday, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan recognized the efforts of Nagkakaisang Magsasaka ng Isabela Agricultural Cooperative (NMI) who would have lost 10 million kilos of rice harvest if not for the direct purchase allowed by the Sagip Saka Law. NMI manager Ana Cristina Go said that before and during the pandemic, the buying price of palay in Isabela went as low as P10 to P14 per kilo.