GMA: RP to become self-sufficient in rice supply by 2013

MANILA, Philippines – President Arroyo vowed the Philippines will “control its destiny” with regards to its food supply, free and independent from the mercy of rice exporters.

The President said the country would become self-sufficient in rice in five years.

“We are focused on both fair prices today and fair prices in the years to come. The new economics of global food security now make it imperative that we control our own destiny in terms of rice,” Mrs. Arroyo said in a speech at the celebration of the seventh Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day at the Sofitel-Philippine Plaza Hotel Monday night.

She said the country’s rice supply for the year is assured and the government will not import more of the staple unless the price is right.

“We are taking control of our food supply. We are working with all levels of government in our country, multilateral agencies and our other development partners, and with the private sector to achieve rice self-sufficiency by 2013,” Mrs. Arroyo said.

She said longer-term efforts to promote rice self-sufficiency will also ensure the country will no longer have to rely on expensive imports to meet needs for the staple.

“The actions we are taking to achieve self-sufficiency include providing unprecedented amounts of investment in fertilizers; irrigation and other infrastructure; agricultural education, extension and equipment; dryers and other post-harvest facilities; and seeds,” Mrs. Arroyo said.

She said the high price of fuel and food is a global problem affecting the poor and middle classes all over the world.

“The volatility of the price of rice is a challenge faced by countries around the world,” the President said.

“The government is working hard to solve the rice and price issues facing our country and our people. Our efforts to address this challenge are focused on doing whatever possible to ensure access to supplies of rice at fair prices,” Mrs. Arroyo said.

She said the country has already secured adequate supply of rice for the rest of the year from harvest and imports.

She added further imports of rice would be made only when prices and conditions are acceptable to expand buffer stocks. 

“Our current target is consistent with our historic approach to buffer stocks,” she said.

Mrs. Arroyo said the government will do everything in its power to stabilize and lower rice prices and crack down on cheats.

“Rice traders and others who carry out price gouging and hoarding are criminals who demonstrate by their actions that they have no concern for the plight of their countrymen,” Mrs. Arroyo said.

Mrs. Arroyo made the statement at the start of the Cabinet meeting yesterday at the Malacañang Golf Clubhouse, where she also announced the filing of charges against officials and employees of the National Food Authority (NFA) suspected of rice diversion.

Administrative and criminal charges were filed against 12 NFA officials and employees, including two regional directors and three provincial managers.

Mrs. Arroyo said private individuals, mostly rice traders, were also included in the charges.