Agriculture

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has instructed the Rice Industry Development Office (RIDO), led by Undersecretary Christopher Morales, to closely examine the apparent shift in Filipino rice preferences, as demand for imported rice—particularly Vietnamese varieties—continues to grow.

Local agricultural groups have expressed support for the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) decision to implement a 60-day rice import ban starting 1 September, aimed at protecting rice farmers in the upcoming wet season harvest. However, reactions are mixed on Vietnam’s reported plan to challenge the move before the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has distributed ₱59.99 million worth of farm machinery, inputs, and renewable energy equipment to support agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the Caraga region, particularly in Agusan del Sur.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has sought the support of the members of House of Representatives' committee on agriculture, chaired by Quezon Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga, to support proposed amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law—calling the RTL a well-meaning policy whose certain provisions had failed to protect Filipino rice farmers.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. called on senators Wednesday to support major reforms and increased funding for the agriculture sector, citing decades of neglect that have left Filipino farmers struggling and the country heavily reliant on food imports.