OPINION: Philippine rice wins global recognition, but farmers still struggle to earn a decent living
The Philippines earned bronze for its Dinorado rice at the 2026 World’s Best Rice contest.
Producers demand higher tariffs and a 200-day cap on pork imports.
The government says building buffer stocks ahead of a possible El Niño is more urgent, while farmers seek stronger support and better palay prices.
The mechanization rollout aims to boost productivity, but many farmers continue to struggle with high production costs, limited irrigation, and low returns.
NFA moves early on procurement as farmers face rising costs, El Niño concerns, and uncertainty over farmgate prices.
