GOVERNORS of the Top 10 rice-producing provinces in the country praised new Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. for initiating the first-ever consultative meeting in an effort to know the concerns in their respective areas that need to be addressed in pushing for grain output and food security.

Governors from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, who gathered in San Juan City to meet Secretary Laurel, said that the move was a good first step towards a concerted effort to boost rice production.

The 10 provinces account for 48 percent of the country’s total rice production.

According to a DA report, among the issues raised by Laurel during the November 17 meeting were efforts to increase grain supply, reduce imports and lower prices of the national food staple, which he said part of President Marcos Jr.’s vision of modernizing agriculture, where the country is food secure and its farm products reasonably priced.

Nueva Ecija governor Aurelio Umali, whose province is the biggest producer of rice accounting for nine percent of national production, said he really appreciated Secretary Laurel’s effort to touch base with stakeholders.

“This is the first time that local government units are being given the opportunity to address the concerns of their respective provinces. I believe that this kind of leadership he is starting will benefit not only my province but also the country’s food security,” he added.

Isabela Governor Rodolfo Albano III said the meeting would foster cooperation among various stakeholders in rice production.

“Maganda ang resulta. Kasi iyan ang unang-una — dapat, makipag-usap si Secretary sa mga stakeholders na tulad namin. Maganda ‘yung ginagawa niya, tulungan. Kung may mga makakatulong sa kanya, magagawa natin ang mga programa, maaayos natin lahat,” Albano said.

Maguindanao del Sur Gov. Bai Mariam Mangudadatu said she looks forward to the mechanization farm process that should help increase rice yields in her province.

“It’s a very good start for the secretary na nakausap niya ‘yung governors ng top ten rice-producing provinces. Kasi this is the first time na nangyari ‘to since I became a governor for two terms. At the same time, maganda rin na nabanggit ang PhilMech dahil in the history ng Maguindanao wala pa, hindi pa umabot sa amin ang PhilMech,” she said.

PhilMech refers to the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, the DA unit that produces farm equipment locally.

Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III said local officials could help bridge the gap between the DA and their constituents.

Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba said local knowledge is crucial so that solutions to agricultural problems are tailored to the peculiarities of the regions.

Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil Roque said his provincial agriculture team will submit to Secretary Laurel their priorities, which will have a huge impact on the province.

The other provincial chief executives who met with Secretary Laurel were Tarlac Gov. Susan Yap and Camarines Sur Gov. Luigi Villafuerte, while North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Talino Mendoza sent her representatives.