SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — La Union produced 127.8 metric tons of rice in 2024, surpassing its total annual consumption and reinforcing its position as a rice self-sufficient province.
Data released by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist on April 21 underscores the province’s continued commitment to food security and local economic strength.
The province achieved a rice sufficiency level of 137 percent, meaning it produced 37 percent more rice than it consumed—effectively reducing dependency on rice imports and lowering related costs.
Among the province’s 20 towns, San Juan had the highest production at 11,610 metric tons, followed by Agoo with 10,778 MT, and Bangar with 9,928 MT.
San Juan also recorded the highest sufficiency level at 264 percent, followed by Burgos at 254 percent, and San Gabriel at 246 percent.
The province’s rice output is driven by 71,201 rice farmers—46,838 males and 24,363 females.
Agoo has the most farmers with 6,108, followed by Balaoan with 5,448, and San Gabriel with 5,000.
According to the provincial government, La Union’s high rice output ensures a consistent supply for both household consumption and trade with other provinces.
“This level of production ensures daily food on every table and allows La Union rice to be distributed to other provinces,” it said in a statement.
Felix Villanueva, 64, of Agoo, expressed hope that sustained high production would lead to lower rice prices.
“I am glad that we produce rice at a high level. I hope that this leads to reduced rice prices so our hard-earned cash can purchase more,” Villanueva said
In the Ilocos Region, the government continues programs aimed at making rice affordable.
In September 2024, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region 1 launched the Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka (BBM) rice program in Ilocos Norte, offering P29-per-kilo rice to solo parents, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens.
The same program was also conducted on November 22, 2024 in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, during the province’s 10th job fair and one-stop-shop, where 500 bags of rice, each weighing 10 kilograms, were sold.
The NIA continues selling affordable rice every Friday in Ilocos Norte.
La Union also ramped up farmer support in 2024.
In April, 40 farmer groups received P1.7 million worth of pesticides, fertilizers, and hybrid seeds in preparation for the wet cropping season.
In October, 82 cooperatives and associations were awarded P15.5 million in farm equipment, funded by the Tobacco Excise Tax.
Sharon Viloria, La Union’s provincial agriculturist, said that P3-million was also set aside from the province’s Agricultural Emergency Trust Fund, under Provincial Ordinance No. 425-2023, to assist farmers and fisherfolk affected by El Niño.
La Union’s strong rice production supports food security, local trade, and access to affordable rice for communities. (AMB/CCMT, PIA La Union)
