by Michael Vincent D. Cajulao
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) – Many were surprised when they heard Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala confidently told President Benigno Aquino III that the Philippines will be rice sufficient by 2013.
That was more than a year ago, when the department was into all sorts of scandals, so many said the timing to make such pronouncement was awfully off.
“But slowly, with all the necessary support being extended by the national government, what was once seemingly impossible has become possible with Region 9 now rice sufficient,’’ according to DA 9 Regional Director Eduardo Holoyohoy.
In an interview by local media here, Holoyohoy said they achieved the target set by the new administration. What’s remarkable is that it was achieved a year ahead of time.
Holoyohoy said the region has an average of 16-18% excess rice production.
“Region 9 is now rice sufficient. But then, we have to share our excess production to other regions”, he said.
With this to consider, Holoyohoy said they target to increase rice production excess by 30%.
Region 9 ships rice produce to Regions 7 and 10, and in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
Holoyohoy said they will concentrate on giving post harvest facilities to farmers in the region to attain their increased target saying good harvest does not only rely on fertilizers.
“Most important is support for post harvest facilities as many rice grains go to waste due to lack of facilities”, he pointed.
The official also stressed that they will also concentrate on irrigated areas covered by irrigation associations to help boost rice production.
With the target now achieved in the region, Dir. Holoyohoy fervently hopes that all other regions can also achieve rice sufficiency to achieve DA’s goal by next year.
“Hopefully, ma-attain natin yung rice sufficiency sa buong Pilipinas”, he concluded. (MVC/PIA9-ZBST)
