The Department of Agriculture (DA) has created a dedicated office to strengthen the rice industry and address challenges such as high production costs and limited post-harvest facilities.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel established the interim Rice Industry Development Office, or RICE office, through Department Order No. 26.
The office will oversee rice programs, including those under the National Rice Program and Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.
It will also develop a unified monitoring system and rice industry database to improve planning and decision-making.
The move comes as rice imports continue to rise, with the country importing 3.27 million metric tons in the first seven months of the year.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 29, 2026
