The Department of Agriculture (DA) has expressed its gratitude to the South Korean government for its continued support in modernizing the Philippine rice sector, a key priority under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s food security agenda.

Through Official Development Assistance (ODA) Korea, South Korea has been instrumental in supporting projects that strengthen the Philippines’ rice seed and buffer stock management systems.

One such effort is the Workshop on Advancing Information Systems for Rice Seed and Buffer Stock Management held on 5 June organized by the Global Agricultural Policy Institute in coordination with the DA.

The event, attended by officials of PhilRice, the National Food Authority, BPI, and the National Rice Program, was part of a broader initiative funded by South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Korea Rural Community Corporation to enhance the rice supply chain and ensure the quality of seeds and milled rice for buffer stocks.