ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — The Department of Agriculture Central Luzon held a meeting on the rice sufficiency programs here.

The discussions were conducted at the Savannah Resort and Hotel over the weekend.

Focus was on the finalization of the clusters and the evaluation for the implementation of the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program in Region 3.

The discussions were led by Rice Banner Program Focal Person Dr. Lowell Rebillaco.

Regional technical director Dr. Eduardo Lapuz Jr.  gave the opening remarks.

He said that the cooperation of every stakeholder will help in the development of the rice industry.

He added that the agency is ready to work hand-in-hand for the implementation of projects and programs that are geared towards the needs of farmers.

Presentations regarding production clusters under the MRIDP-Central Luzon were discussed by Amelita Londonio and the seed component discussion was led by Christian Ramos.

Dr. Rebillaco presented the current situation of the distribution of the Fertizer Discount Voucher Program, in-kind fertilizer distribution under the Quick Response Fund of "Karding" and "Paeng," soil ameliorants, and donations from China.

The event also tackled the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Rice Farmers Financial Assistance for the year 2021 and 2022, the status of the implementation of the Rice Crop Manager, and the Farm Mechanization Program this year.

The status of the seed distribution and the FDV program for the 2023-2024 Dry Season Cropping was also discussed, along with validated recipients of the 2023 Composting Facility for Biodegradable Waste for this year.

The meeting showed the huge collaboration between the government and the private sector in boosting the rice industry in the country.