San Mateo, Isabela—In a groundbreaking move, the municipality of San Mateo has passed an ordinance aimed at ensuring the availability of safer, higher-quality rice for its residents. The ordinance, approved by the local government and supported by the Department of Agriculture through the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), sets a precedent for the country in rice quality assurance.
The ordinance, identified as number 2025-917, is the first of its kind in the Philippines, introducing a framework for ensuring that locally produced rice meets rigorous safety and quality standards. The move is part of the Rice Business Innovations System (RiceBIS) program, which aims to promote Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP)-certified rice, also known as GAPproved rice.
Dr. Ofelia C. Malonzo, the RiceBIS Isabela project lead, emphasized that GAPproved rice adheres to best agricultural practices, which minimize chemical use and prioritize environmental sustainability. She also pointed out the ordinance’s broader implications for agro-entrepreneurship, as it encourages local businesses and government offices to purchase PhilGAP-certified rice while supporting farmer cooperatives engaged in the production of such rice.
The ordinance is expected to have a direct impact on farmers by offering them better pricing and the potential for long-term contracts, thereby boosting their income.
PhilRice is hopeful the policy will improve the quality of rice production in the region and could serve as a model for other municipalities across the country. While the agency did not provide specific targets for the ordinance’s implementation, it noted that the RiceBIS program has already certified 512 farms nationwide, and plans to expand training and certifications for farmer cooperatives continue.
According to data from the Bureau of Plant Industry, the initiative could help meet the growing demand for healthier rice options. In 2024, the Philippines produced over 19 million metric tons of palay, with Isabela contributing 7.7 percent, or about 1.47 million metric tons.
This policy is seen as a major step in ensuring the health and well-being of rice consumers while strengthening the economic position of Filipino farmers.
