Marcos commits to ensuring growth of PH rice industry

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday vowed to ensure the growth of the country's rice industry as he committed to protect the welfare of local farmers.

This, as scientists from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) presented to Marcos the identified genes for low and ultra-low glycaemic index (GI) in rice.

"We will spare no effort to ensure the growth of the rice industry here in our country even as we safeguard the welfare of farmers and consumers alike," Marcos, who also heads the Department of Agriculture (DA), said in his speech.

"We will do everything to pursue and punish those who are involved in smuggling and hoarding. We will make them pay for their wrongful actions and remedy the situation," he added.

Marcos said the Philippine government has been working with international institutions like the IRRI and foreign governments not only to ensure the steady supply of rice but also to enhance the development and sharing of crucial technologies and strategies.

"We have likewise been working on our disaster preparedness and resilience so that the rice industry can respond and adapt to the effects of El Nin?o and other calamitous events," he said.

The new discovery on rice will be able to convert popular rice varieties into low and ultra-low GI for refined white rice, through conventional breeding methods, keeping high quality grain and without compromising yield.

Meanwhile, in another event, Marcos emphasized the need to continue to concentrate on the strength of the cooperative movement, including its contribution in the agricultural sector.

"I look forward to the continued partnership between the cooperative movement and even the heightened participation in executing these programs, including those that concern food, transportation, security, financial literacy, and social services," Marcos said.

He added that cooperative movement is "very closely related to agriculture because for the simple reason that we need to consolidate our farmers." —KBK, GMA Integrated News