PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — A member of Palawan's Provincial Board has recommended implementing a Rice Industry Development Program Plan, an endeavor to promote food security in the province and in the country that is aligned with the government's food sufficiency and security policy.

Board Member Ariston Arzaga, chair of the committee on agriculture and aquatic resources at the Provincial Board, proposed having the plan on Tuesday during their regular session, by referencing the concerning findings of a national Social Weather Station (SWS) survey, which revealed that 10.4 percent of Filipino families have encountered hunger.

"This hunger afflicts the poorest people. While [the] poorest rely upon agriculture for income and sustenance, they are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions and the destruction caused by natural disasters. The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that 25% of agricultural households in the Philippines suffer from food insecurity, a percentage substantially higher than the 9% of non-agricultural Philippine households," he said.

The board member said the proposed plan aims to prioritize the welfare of Filipino farmers, enhance the rice value chain, and augment agricultural production nationwide.

Arzaga pointed out that there is a need for a comprehensive contingency plan to stabilize rice supply and prices, particularly in light of challenges such as El Niño and food inflation.

Key aspects of the proposal include providing farmers with adequate machinery, protecting crops from pests and diseases, and ensuring efficient transportation to markets.

He stressed the importance of sustainable and efficient food production to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population without compromising food quality.

"Our government should come up with a comprehensive contingency plan to ensure rice supply in the country is sufficient and will counter its rising price. We urge our government to craft a Rice Industry Development Program Plan to prioritize the welfare of Filipino farmers, boost the rice value chain, and improve agricultural production across the Philippines," he added.

The proposal is now in his committee for detailed discussion and the formulation of additional recommendations.