The Iloilo provincial government is turning to the private sector to help boost rice production and enhance agricultural resilience in the face of climate challenges.

Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, representing Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., introduced the SERBISYO Program (System Enhancement for Rice to Boost, Increase, and Sustain Yield Onwards) during the National Adaptation Plan Investment Forum on 21 March at the SMX Convention Center in Taguig.

The SERBISYO program aims to increase rice yields to six metric tons per hectare by promoting climate-resilient rice varieties and improving irrigation through small-scale reservoirs and infrastructure rehabilitation.

Banias referenced data from the Provincial Agriculture Office, which showed a drop in rice production from 3.79 metric tons per hectare in 2023 to 3.64 metric tons in 2024.

Iloilo, known as the rice granary of Western Visayas and the fifth-largest rice producer in the country, faces rising food security concerns.

“An average of 7 percent of total rice production could be lost as early as 2030. In the worst years, this loss could reach up to 25 percent. This inaction could cost the value chain of rice P11 billion,” Banias warned. “These numbers reflect what will happen if we don’t take action.”

To address these challenges, the province is seeking collaboration with agricultural input manufacturers, irrigation firms, and water service providers to scale up climate-resilient farming initiatives.

Banias explained that the plan includes distributing climate-resilient rice varieties and implementing crop-scale solutions. Additionally, they aim to partner with water service providers to develop small-scale reservoirs across 30,000 hectares of rain-fed farmland to combat water shortages.

The investment forum, titled “Adaptation in Action: Mobilizing Finance for Climate-Resilient Food and Water Systems,” was co-presented by the United Kingdom Government through the British Embassy Manila, along with the DENR, Climate Change Commission, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Department of Finance, and Boston Consulting Group.