Local government conversations on improving rice production outputs and farmers’ incomes are front and center in the agenda of the League of Provinces of the Philippines.

This as the League’s Committee on Agriculture and Food, led by its chairperson, Isabela Gov. Rodito T. Albano III, convened the local chief executives of the 31 rice-producing provinces on September 16, 2022 to discuss issues surrounding rice production and provide a venue to share local practices toward increasing productivity as well as farmers’ income and well-being.

A number of issues on rice production have been discussed among the governors of the major rice-producing provinces, but key among these is the need for data on local rice stocks at any time as a way of supporting the national government’s programs at ensuring adequate supply of the country’s staple, and securing farmers’ livelihood and incomes.

Gov. Albano said the meeting was just the first in a series of meetings to enable the League to discuss issues and concerns in the agriculture sector as a means to influence national programs and policies to make it responsive to local situations on the ground.

Also in attendance during the meeting were League Chairman and Quirino Gov. Dax Cua; LPP Executive Vice-President and Tarlac Gov. Susan Yap; Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba; Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Carlos Padilla; Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.; Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla; and, Bukidnon Gov. Rogelio Neil Roque.

Meanwhile, Oriental Mindoro Gov. Humerlito Dolor and Capiz Gov. Fredenil Castro also sent over their respective representatives. Also joining the discussion were the Administrators of the National Food Authority and the National Irrigation Administration, Atty. Judy Carol L. Dansal and Benny D. Antiporda, respectively.