Galing sa Puso (GP) Party-list first nominee Jan Padiernos (GP Party-list)

Nueva Ecija's rice production success is so impressive that Galing sa Puso (GP) Party-list wants to replicate it in the entire country through legislation.

GP Party-list first nominee, lawyer Jan Rurik Padiernos had this to say following the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) statement that a national food security emergency will be declared by Feb. 4 due to the persistently high prices of rice.

This, despite the global price drops and tariff reductions on the Filipino staple grain.

Padiernos says that the Nueva Ecija model of rice production could be beneficial to the country in the long run.

"The success of Nueva Ecija in sustaining rice production provides a valuable blueprint that we can replicate nationwide through well-targeted legislative measures," stressed the aspiring House of Representatives member.

Padiernios also highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure and support for farmers, including access to modern technologies, advanced farming practices, and better logistics systems.

"The Philippines must invest in a resilient and sustainable agricultural system that is capable of meeting the growing demands of our people," he said.

The DA's potential emergency declaration comes after prices in certain areas remain elevated, even with the 35 percent to 15 percent tariff reduction implemented last July under President Marcos' directive.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed that the National Price Coordinating Council had recommended such declaration.

If the emergency declaration is issued, the National Food Authority (NFA) will sell buffer stocks to government agencies and local government units at P36 per kilogram and to consumers at P38 per kilogram.

Under the amended Rice Tariffication Law, the DA is authorized to declare a food security emergency if rice supply shortages or extraordinary price hikes occur.