This November, the Philippines is celebrating National Rice Awareness Month with the theme: "Be Riceponsibly Healthy." The campaign emphasizes the importance of rice as the staple food of Filipinos while recognizing and supporting the hardworking farmers who produce it.
Local Government Units Supporting Farmers
In the DILG sa DZRH program on Wednesday, two local government units (LGUs) highlighted their efforts to assist local farmers in selling their rice crops and helping consumers access affordable rice.
Isabela's "Super Coop"
In Isabela, Atty. Eduardo Cabantac proudly shared the accomplishments of the Nagkaisang Magsasaka ng Isabela Agriculture Cooperative (NMIAC), also known as "Super Coop." Established as a response to the 2019 Rice Tariffication Law, which adversely affected small-scale farmers, the cooperative now has over 9,000 members, reflecting its effectiveness in addressing farmers' needs.
The cooperative provides its members with the following:
- Access to affordable farming supplies and equipment.
Training on modern farming techniques and sustainable agriculture practices. - Market linkages to ensure fair prices and competitive trade.
- Loans or credit programs for agricultural needs.
"Marami pong problema sa bucket chain ng rice industry, at isa dito ay ang marketing system," Cabantac explained.
"Dahil sa cooperative, kami ang bumibili ng produkto ng mga magsasaka at binibigyan sila ng premium price na ₱5 hanggang ₱7 kada kilo."
Cabantac added that one of the cooperative’s primary goals is to establish a stable rice stock to sustain food grain conservation while also providing income support to farmers.
"Sa kabila ng sunod-sunod na hamon, saludo po ang aming gobernador sa tiyaga at determinasyon ng mga magsasaka ng Isabela na bumangon at pakainin ang mahigit isang daang milyong Pilipino," he said.
Alcala Rice Center Project in Cagayan
In Alcala, Cagayan, Mayor Cristina Antonio discussed the Alcala Rice Center Project, an initiative launched after the COVID-19 pandemic to help marginalized farmers. The project allows the LGU to purchase palay directly from farmers at higher-than-farm-gate prices.
Key Features of the Alcala Rice Center Project:
- Rice Processing and Storage Facilities – Ensures high-quality rice production and minimizes post-harvest losses.
- Access to Modern Technology – Provides farmers with tools, hybrid seeds, and irrigation systems for higher yields.
- Training and Capacity Building – Conducts workshops on sustainable practices and efficient water management.
- Market Linkages – Facilitates direct connections between farmers and buyers.
- Community Development – Supports the local farming community and fosters agricultural growth.
"Naipatayo po natin ang Alcala Rice Center noong Enero 2023," Antonio said. "Bumibili po ang LGU ng palay mula sa mga magsasaka sa magandang presyo—mas mataas pa kaysa sa farm gate price."
The rice is milled and sold to farmer cooperatives, who in turn distribute it through barangay-based bigasan outlets. Currently, 17 farmers' cooperatives and associations (FCAs) manage these outlets, selling premium rice at affordable prices.
Antonio noted that while the project benefits around 71–80 seller farmers, the majority of its impact is felt on the consumer side.
"Simula noon, ang mga cooperatives natin ay nakapagsilbi na sa 2,260 consumer beneficiaries."
These initiatives showcase the commitment of LGUs in Isabela and Cagayan to support marginalized farmers and ensure that consumers have access to high-quality, affordable rice.
Through projects like NMIAC and the Alcala Rice Center, the country moves closer to achieving food security while uplifting the lives of Filipino farmers.
