After receiving positive feedback from Acting Classifier Rosalejos of the NFA Cebu Branch Office on the quality of rice based on his classification and inspection in GID 1 Warehouse, Gango, Ozamiz City, NFA Lanao del Norte loads its first batch of local rice to NFA Cebu via Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Inc., February 11. (Photo courtesy of NFA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — With the ongoing food crisis, the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO)-10 is ramping up support for local farmers while reinforcing buffer stock management to stabilize the region’s rice supply. These efforts aim to sustain food production, protect farmer livelihoods, and ensure affordable rice prices.
Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Pacamalan emphasized DA-10’s commitment to balancing consumer needs with farmer protection. Through increased subsidies, production assistance, and enhanced distribution strategies, the agency seeks to safeguard the rice sector from market fluctuations and external economic pressures.
Enhanced support for local farmers
To cushion the impact of tariff reductions and market instability, Pacamalan said DA-10 has expanded its subsidy programs for rice farmers. These subsidies aim to lower production costs and boost productivity, ensuring that farmers remain competitive despite the influx of imported rice.
Among the key assistance programs are fertilizer and input subsidies, mechanization support, financial aid, crop insurance, irrigation and infrastructure improvements, and research and training initiatives.
“Ang subsidy sa DA more or less naa between 12 to 15 percent ang maminus sa iyang [rice farmer] cost of production. Eventually, pag merkado niini, muubos gyud ang presyo sa humay aron dili kaayo maapektohan ang atong mga konsumidor. Kana nga balanse mao ginapaningkamotan sa DA-10,” Pacamalan said.
(The DA subsidy will reduce the [rice farmers’] cost of production by about 12 to 15 percent. Eventually, as the rice reaches the market, its price will decrease, ensuring that consumers are not heavily affected. This balance is what DA-10 is striving to achieve.)
Experts emphasize the importance of long-term strategies for farmer protection. Jerelyn Medalla, assistant dean of the College of Agriculture at Xavier University, stressed the need for gradual tariff reductions and well-structured support programs.
“Balancing rice affordability and farmer protection requires complementary policies such as farmer subsidies, improved productivity, and strategic import management. If naa gyud reduction, gradual tariff reduction instead of sudden cuts like 5 percent para makahatag time, maka-adjust pa ang farmers,” Medalla said.
(If there is indeed a reduction, it should be a gradual tariff reduction instead of sudden cuts, such as 5 percent, to give farmers time to adjust.)
Buffer stock readiness and rice distribution
Ensuring food security, the National Food Authority (NFA)-10 headed by Regional Manager Miguel S. Tecson continues to strengthen buffer stock management to provide immediate relief during emergencies. The NFA Misamis Oriental Branch Office recently conducted a test milling activity at a rice mill in Valencia City, Bukidnon, to verify stock readiness.
Additionally, NFA MisOr facilitated the free hauling of high-quality palay from Baungon, Bukidnon, reinforcing government relief efforts.
In support of regional supply balance, NFA Lanao del Norte has initiated rice dispersal to NFA Cebu via Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Inc. This aims to augment buffer stocks in other regions to support relief and emergency response efforts.
Glenda Orlanes, a faculty member at Xavier University, highlighted the significance of strengthening domestic rice production.
“The release of buffer stock of NFA will facilitate more supply in the market, which could influence lower prices. Negatively, local producers would not be able to get a higher price for their produce with this lower profit or loss, considering that the cost of domestic production is very high,” Orlanes said.
She added that domestic rice producers face the challenge of increasing productivity and efficiency to reduce costs. This requires strong government support in production and post-harvest needs.
Pacamalan emphasized that with DA-10 and NFA-10’s ongoing efforts, northern Mindanao remains committed to food security and supporting local farmers amid changing market conditions. (RTP/PIA-10)
