President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. stated that the Philippines has an ample rice stock despite the ongoing El Niño phenomenon.
Speaking during an interview in Occidental Mindoro, Marcos assured the public of an adequate rice supply, particularly in irrigated areas where harvests have increased.
Although agricultural losses due to El Niño have amounted to P1.2 billion, Marcos emphasized the government’s efforts to address food security challenges.
He highlighted plans by the National Irrigation Administration to improve irrigation in non-irrigated lands, including the installation of dams and solar pumps.
Furthermore, Marcos mentioned the provision of post-harvest facilities to boost farmers’ income by enabling them to process rice locally.
These measures aim to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food sufficiency amid climate-related challenges.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 24, 2024
