DA, Partners Strengthen Push for Rice Sufficiency in Davao Region
Davao City – The Department of Agriculture in the Davao Region (DA-11) recently gathered key government agencies and rice industry partners to reaffirm their commitment to achieving rice sufficiency in the region. The meeting was held as part of the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP), a government initiative that aims to strengthen the rice sector through improved productivity, sustainability, and farmer support. Discussions during the activity focused on building a more resilient rice industry while addressing challenges in production and market conditions. In an interview with the Philippine News Agency, DA-11 rice focal person Evelyn Basa said the region currently has a rice sufficiency level of about 57 percent as of 2025. “We still lack 43 percent, but our production is gradually increasing,” Basa explained. She shared that rice production in the region has improved in recent years—from about 484,000 metric tons in 2021 to 523,000 metric tons in 2025. According to Basa, this growth was largely supported by government assistance programs that provided farmers with seeds and fertilizers. Basa added that the MRIDP not only aims to boost rice production but also to increase farmers’ income while encouraging sustainable farming practices that can benefit both present and future generations. “Rice remains a staple food for about 85 percent of Filipinos. As government agencies, we must continue working together, stay informed about industry developments, and regularly meet to address issues collectively,” she said. During the meeting, participating agencies also discussed updates on irrigation and water management, farm mechanization under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), seed development and varietal recommendations, rice procurement, and post-harvest systems. Meanwhile, Lorenzo Bermillo, chief of the DA Field Operations Division (FOD), said the MRIDP aims to address long-standing issues in the rice sector by coordinating government interventions and encouraging collaboration among partner agencies. He emphasized that strengthening cooperation and sharing knowledge among stakeholders are key steps in building a more sustainable and productive rice industry in the Davao Region.
NPO News Team | Philippines News Agency – PR
