MAY 19, 2013

NR # 3108

Solon lauds rice export after 40 years

A lawmaker today lauded the announcement of a high official of the Department of Agriculture (DA) that rice producers and traders in the Philippines will export rice in May, the first time the commodity would be exported in large volumes in 40 years. Rep. Marcelino Teodoro (1st District, Marikina City) said the countrys capacity to export rice after 40 years is a brilliant breakthrough and a promising economic boost for the country. We have been producing quality grains of rice for the past decades and it is but suitable that we expand our market abroad, Teodoro said. Teodoro said the country can only speculate on the ability of the local rice producers to supply the requirements of other countries, but if the government will fully support the farmers, there is no doubt the country can meet the target rice exports. Besides, it will be the Philippines pride to be branded as the premium rice producer and exporter in Asia, Teodoro stressed. Agriculture Assistant Secretary Dante de Lima said Dubai and Indonesia would receive 15 metric tons of black rice from the Don Bosco Foundation for Sustainable Development Inc. in North Cotabato, 20 tons of japonica from the SL Agritech in Nueva Ecija and 30 tons of long grain aromatic white rice, also from a cooperative in Cotabato, by May 6. But Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan (Party-list, Gabriela) said the announcement of the DA executive is an old tune played by every administration as its rice sufficiency target. But why target the foreign market when the domestic deserves immediate and sustained attention? If we aim for export while neglecting the domestic, it will not be a realistic and pro people policy, Ilagan said. Ilagan said such policy would be catering to the needs and demands of foreign nations. (30) lvc