GUEST COLUMNIST

By PCCI CHAIRMAN WILLIAM S. CO

As the Philippines grapples with soaring rice prices, the pursuit of food security has never been more pressing. It is against this backdrop of rising food costs that we turn to an ambitious yet timely proposal put forth by Dr. Rodolfo C. Undan, a professional Agricultural & Biosystems engineer, former NIA administrator, former DA assistant secretary, and a retired president of Central Luzon State University. His comprehensive approach to achieving self-sufficiency in rice and other food items is not just a strategy; it's a lifeline for Filipinos facing the burden of high rice prices.

In recent months, the Philippines has witnessed a steep increase in the cost of rice. For countless Filipino families, rice is not just a meal; it is the essence of their diet and culture. The sharp rise in rice prices has weighed heavily on household budgets, exacerbating the economic challenges already posed by the ongoing pandemic.

In times of hardship, the affordability and availability of rice become paramount concerns. The Filipino people need relief, not just in the form of temporary subsidies but in the form of sustainable solutions that can empower our nation to feed itself.

Amid these trying times, Dr. Undan's proposal stands as a timely response to the plight of Filipinos. His comprehensive approach addresses not only the symptoms of the crisis but also the root causes, offering a roadmap toward self-sufficiency.

By promoting modern farming technologies, enhancing irrigation, and diversifying rice varieties, Dr. Undan's vision seeks to bolster rice production, ensuring a steady supply that can help stabilize prices. The call for cost reduction through innovative techniques and the support for local machinery production is not just about efficiency; it's about making rice more affordable for ordinary citizens.

What distinguishes Dr. Undan's approach is its holistic nature. It recognizes that achieving self-sufficiency is not a one-dimensional endeavor. It involves the entire rice production ecosystem, from the fields to post-harvest processes and policy adjustments.

Efforts to reduce post-harvest losses, improve harvesting practices, and invest in infrastructure are vital for ensuring that the benefits of increased production reach consumers in the form of stable prices.

His proposal acknowledges that the path to food security requires more than just agricultural initiatives; it necessitates legislative support. The call for a review of the Rice Tariffication Law and measures against hoarding and smuggling is a response to the changing landscape of our rice industry.

In the face of rising rice prices, Dr. Undan's two-year target for self-sufficiency becomes not just an ambitious goal but a pressing necessity. It challenges our nation to rise above short-term challenges and envision a future where no Filipino goes to bed hungry due to the unaffordability of rice.

As we diversify food sources, intensify fish and seafood culture, and promote alternative grains and root crops, we not only enhance food security but also reduce our vulnerability to price fluctuations in the rice market.

Rising rice prices have cast a shadow of uncertainty over the tables of Filipino families. Undan's comprehensive approach provides a ray of hope, a path toward a brighter future where rice is not a source of anxiety but a symbol of stability and self-reliance.

The pursuit of self-sufficiency in rice is not just an economic goal but a statement of our commitment to the well-being of every Filipino. It is a timely call to action, a promise that we can secure our food supply and ensure that the high price of rice becomes a thing of the past.

(Dr. William S. Co is chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and director of the Agriculture and Fishery committee.)