Marcos: More than food, rice is life for Pinoys

MANILA, Philippines — Rice is life for Filipinos, President Marcos said yesterday, as he likened issues affecting the supply of the food staple to an “existential problem.”

“It goes without saying but I think it bears repeating that rice in our countries means more than food. Rice in Asia, rice in the countries where it is the staple, is in fact life,” Marcos told delegates of the 6th International Rice Congress in Pasay.

“And whenever we find ourselves in a situation where the supply of rice is threatened, this is almost an existential problem that ordinary people feel,” he added.

Marcos, also the agriculture secretary, gave assurance that the government is working to modernize and promote the growth of the farming sector and to run after smugglers and hoarders.

“So as I end, let me assure and challenge you in this way: We will spare no effort to ensure the growth of the rice industry here in our country even as we safeguard the welfare of farmers and consumers alike,” he said.

“We will do everything to pursue and punish those who are involved in smuggling and hoarding. We will make them pay for their wrongful actions and remedy the situation.”

Marcos noted that the issues with the price and supply of rice stem from several factors that need urgent attention. He cited the effects of global rice prices, the “recurrent pounding of typhoons and other natural calamities” and criminal activities like illegal importation, smuggling, hoarding and other anti-competitive practices.

“So, seeing the complexities of the situation, we strive to approach it in a comprehensive and a holistic way based on science,” the Chief Executive said.

Marcos said the government invests in research and machinery and supports farmers through the National Rice Program and the Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund.

The Philippines has also been working with international institutions like the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and foreign governments to ensure the steady supply of rice and to enhance the development and sharing of crucial technologies and strategies, he added.

Marcos called on state agencies and their private sector partners to continue working with the IRRI and its partners in identifying creative solutions and mechanisms for a more robust rice industry.