Stressing that rice is not merely just a food but life, President Marcos encouraged government agencies and the private sector to continue collaborating with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in identifying solutions on the country's rice industry problems.

Speaking at the 6th International Rice Congress (IRC) 2023 on Monday, Oct. 16, Marcos shared to the international participants the issues currently hounding the rice industry in the country.

He cited recurrent pounding of typhoons and other natural calamities, and criminal activities such as illegal importation, smuggling and hoarding, and other anti-competitive practices continue to threaten the rice sector.

The President said the contribution from international institutions would help the Philippines address the situation.

"So, I enjoin all of our government agencies and of course our partners in the private sector to continue collaborating with the IRRI and its partners in identifying creative solutions and mechanisms for a more robust rice industry," Marco said in his speech.

"Your participation will surely inspire the rest of society and the entire global community to fortify our efforts for food security across the region and the world," he added.

Rice is life

Marcos also underscored that rice, for the Philippines, means more than food, as he stressed the need for collaboration among local and international stakeholders, who are also in the same rice situation.

"It goes without saying but I think it bears repeating that rice in our country means more than food. Rice in Asia, rice in the countries where it is the staple is in fact life," he said.

"And whenever we find ourselves in a situation where the supply of rice is threatened, this is almost an existential problem that ordinary people feel," he added.

He reiterated that the government will "spare no effort" to ensure the growth of the rice industry in the country and safeguard the welfare of farmers and consumers alike.

"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 said.

"We will remain steadfast in our efforts to modernize the agriculture sector through open dialogue and consultations with our farmers and agriculture experts," he added.

The Chief Executive also expressed confidence that the three-day congress, which is participated by scientists, experts and decision-makers, will promote the development and use of more quality rice varieties and technologies such as the ultra-low glycemic index or GI rice.

"The discoveries in this congress will pave the way for greater strides in the rice industry in the Philippines and across the globe. I look forward to seeing the innovations to be discussed in this Congress come to life, including the ultra-low GI rice, in the near future," he said.

Every four years, the event brings together scientists, experts and decision-makers from the government, private and public sectors to formulate evidence-based solutions for some of the biggest challenges being faced by the global rice sector.

It is taking place for the first time in the Philippines, serving as the home country of the IRRI Headquarters located in Los Baños Laguna. The previous editions of the Congress were held in Singapore (2018), Bangkok (2014), Hanoi (2010), New Delhi (2006) and Beijing (2002).