House solons, gov’t execs tackle rice supply, prices
UPON instruction from House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, together with Quezon Rep. Mark Envarga, met with Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development Leocadio Sebastian, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Acting Administrator Eduardo “Eddie” Guillen, and other officials of the DA to discuss the agency’s plan for a stable rice supply and lower prices in our country.
During the meeting, Co emphasized the need for a “comprehensive and collaborative” approach to address the issue of rice supply and prices in the country.
Co said, “We need a unified plan that involves the cooperation and coordination of the various government agencies that are responsible for food production, irrigation, and infrastructure. We cannot rely solely on one agency to solve this problem.”
He also acknowledged the importance of integrating technology and innovation to improve rice production.
“We need to adopt modern techniques and technologies that can help us increase our yield and improve the quality of our rice. We also need to ensure that these technologies are accessible and affordable to our farmers,” Co explained.
The Bicolano lawmaker emphasized investing in modern rice mills in every agricultural region and improving farming infrastructures.
He stated, “We need to upgrade our rice processing capabilities to ensure efficient and high-quality production. By establishing modern rice mills, we can minimize post-harvest losses and enhance the competitiveness of our local rice industry. Additionally, it is crucial to enhance our farming infrastructures, including irrigation systems, farm-to-market roads, and storage facilities.
These improvements will not only increase productivity but also provide better access for farmers to markets, enabling them to maximize their profits.”
Co highlighted the need for the government to prioritize these initiatives and allocate sufficient funds to support the development of rice production and farming infrastructure.
He added, “Investing in these areas will have a long-term positive impact on our agricultural sector. It will create employment opportunities, improve the income of our farmers, and contribute to the overall growth and stability of our economy.”
The meeting aims to find solutions to the rising cost of rice in the country and to ensure a stable rice supply for all Filipinos.
“(DA) Usec. Sebastian has provided assurance that we will achieve rice sufficiency in the future, supported by the allocation of adequate funding. With these resources, we intend to enhance our infrastructure and agricultural practices to meet the growing demand for rice. By fostering collaboration among government agencies, we can implement programs and projects that will benefit our farmers and enhance our overall food security,” he said.
