Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has emphasized the need for reforms in the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) to enhance protection for Filipino farmers and consumers. This announcement came after the DA’s participation in a Senate Committee on Agriculture hearing where they presented proposed amendments to the RTL.

According to Philippines News Agency, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that the reforms are essential for safeguarding the country’s rice industry, increasing farmers’ incomes, and aiding recovery from the effects of ‘unregulated’ rice imports. These reforms aim to lower costs and improve efficiency, potentially increasing rice production and bolstering food security.

Key proposals include restoring the National Food Authority’s (NFA) powers through ‘calibrated’ state market interventions, as well as its rebuilding and modernization. Another recommendation involves integrating the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) with the National Rice Program to balance consumer welfare with farmer protection, sustain domestic production, and provide incentives across the rice value chain.

The DA also advocated for a strengthened extension support system to streamline registration and services for Filipino farmers. In a separate interview, Tiu Laurel confirmed that the agency is set to undergo reorganization, with extension workers to be deployed at the municipal level following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s approval.

Tiu Laurel emphasized the importance of deploying personnel to the municipal level to obtain accurate and timely data, implement programs, and train the community. He mentioned plans to relocate up to 10,000 personnel to the municipal level, with at least 6,000 DA staff expected to be reassigned from regional offices by the end of the year. These personnel will monitor the situation on the ground for rice, poultry, and high-value crops.

Tiu Laurel also expressed support for Senator Francisco Pangilinan’s plan to rejuvenate the extension system within the DA, aiming to incorporate about 20,000 extension staff.