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RICE TO RISE: NATIONAL LEADERS, SCIENTISTS, POLICYMAKERS, AND AGRICULTURE ADVOCATES UNITE TO SECURE THE FUTURE OF PHILIPPINE FOOD SECURITY

Historic Multi-Sectoral Roundtable Calls for Urgent Climate-Smart Transformation of Philippine Rice, Agriculture, and Aquaculture Industries

MAKATI CITY, Philippines – May 29, 2026 — As the Philippines faces increasing threats from climate change, recurring droughts, food supply disruptions, and growing pressure on agricultural productivity, a distinguished gathering of scientists, policymakers, business leaders, agricultural advocates, innovators, and former government officials convened for a landmark Multi-Sectoral Roundtable Meeting on the Rice Industry and Related Agriculture and Aquaculture Concerns held at Pardon My French Restaurant, Jupiter Street, Bel-Air, Makati City.

Hosted by Mr. Julio Sy Jr., Chairman of TAO Foods Corporation and proponent of the transformative Rice to Rise Program, the event brought together influential stakeholders committed to developing strategic solutions that will strengthen the country's food security, agricultural resilience, and long-term sustainability.

A major pillar behind the success of the forum was the active collaboration and leadership of Former Congressman Jonathan Dela Cruz, one of the principal organizers and a passionate advocate for food security, agricultural modernization, and rural development. Congressman Dela Cruz emphasized that the future of Philippine agriculture requires stronger partnerships among government institutions, private enterprises, research organizations, farmers' groups, cooperatives, and technology innovators.

He stressed that food security must be elevated as a national development priority, requiring immediate investments in climate-smart agriculture, farmer empowerment, innovation ecosystems, and sustainable food production systems. Participants recognized his contribution in bringing together key stakeholders whose collective expertise can help shape a stronger and more resilient agricultural future for the nation.

The event's keynote scientific briefing was delivered by Dr. Jauhar Ali, Chief Scientist and Rice Breeder of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), who provided participants with a comprehensive overview of the global rice situation and the future role of hybrid rice technologies in addressing food security challenges.

Dr. Ali presented compelling evidence showing that rice production worldwide is entering a critical period due to climate change, increasing temperatures, water scarcity, unpredictable weather patterns, and declining agricultural resources. He emphasized that climate-resilient hybrid rice varieties will become increasingly important in ensuring food sufficiency, improving farmer incomes, and protecting agricultural productivity against future environmental challenges.

According to Dr. Ali, the Philippines and other tropical countries must prepare now for more frequent and severe drought conditions, including stronger El Niño events, which could significantly impact rice production and national food supplies if proactive measures are not implemented.

Among the distinguished participants were Pablito Villegas, former executive of the Land Bank of the Philippines, President and Owner of Villegas Organiks; Laura Love P. Guevara, President and Chief Operating Officer of TAO Foods Corporation; agricultural entrepreneurs; business leaders; technology innovators; development advocates; and former government officials who share a common vision of achieving agricultural prosperity and food security for the Philippines.

A major highlight of the gathering was the presentation of TAO Foods Corporation's innovative hybrid rice products, particularly the homegrown varieties Marilag and Dinorado, which demonstrate the country's growing capability to develop high-performing, climate-resilient rice varieties suited to local farming conditions. These innovations showcase how science, technology, and local expertise can work together to strengthen domestic food production and improve agricultural competitiveness.

The roundtable discussions highlighted that the Philippine rice industry is currently navigating a highly volatile and transformative period. Experts agreed that traditional farming approaches alone will no longer be sufficient to address future food demands and climate-related risks. Instead, the country must embrace climate-smart agriculture, advanced breeding technologies, digital farming systems, precision agriculture, efficient water management, and integrated food production ecosystems.

Adding an important technological perspective to the discussions was Henry V. Bayubay, Digital Scientist, member of the Filipino Inventors Society Multipurpose Cooperative (FISMPC), and President of BB88 Advertising and Digital Solutions Inc.

Mr. Bayubay presented his vision for a technology-enabled agricultural future through the BC AGRI-System, an integrated Climate-Smart Agriculture platform designed to increase farm productivity, enhance agricultural monitoring, support data-driven decision-making, and improve resilience against climate-related risks.

He also introduced the Bagsakan Ecosystem, an innovative farm-to-market framework aimed at directly connecting farmers, producers, cooperatives, institutional buyers, retailers, and consumers. The ecosystem seeks to reduce inefficiencies in agricultural supply chains, minimize post-harvest losses, improve pricing transparency, and create greater economic opportunities for farming communities.

"Our farmers must not only produce more food—they must also earn more from their hard work. Technology, innovation, science, and market access must work together if we are serious about building a food-secure and prosperous Philippines," Bayubay emphasized during the forum.

Throughout the discussions, participants repeatedly underscored that climate change represents one of the most significant long-term threats to Philippine agriculture. Scientific forecasts suggest that drought events, extreme weather conditions, and El Niño phenomena may become increasingly severe in the coming decades, making preparedness and adaptation essential national priorities.

The gathering concluded with a strong consensus to foster deeper collaboration among government agencies, scientific institutions, private sector stakeholders, farmers' organizations, cooperatives, technology developers, and investors to formulate a comprehensive master plan for food security, agricultural innovation, and climate resilience.

More than a policy dialogue, the roundtable represented the beginning of a broader movement aimed at transforming Philippine agriculture into a globally competitive, technology-driven, climate-resilient sector capable of feeding future generations while improving the livelihoods of millions of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.

The message from the gathering was clear and urgent:

"The future of Philippine food security cannot wait. The time to innovate, collaborate, invest, and transform agriculture is now."

About the Rice to Rise Program

The Rice to Rise Program is a collaborative initiative that promotes climate-smart agriculture, hybrid rice innovation, sustainable food production systems, farmer empowerment, and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening food security and agricultural resilience throughout the Philippines.

NPO News Team!