by ace | Oct 3, 2011 | National News
THE Department of Agriculture assured Sunday the availability of rice and other agricultural products despite the pummeling the country’s plantation fields in Northern and Central Luzon got as a result of two weather disturbances passing through one after the other last week. In a report to the President presented at a briefing held at the National Risk Reduction and Management Council in Camp Aguinaldo, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said that the staple could be sourced from Mindanao. He added that his agency was still in the process of estimating the damage wrought by typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel” on the country’s agricultural sector but assured he would have the numbers soon. “He said the DA was ready to extend any assistance to the farmers and their families whose plantations were affected by the typhoons. (PCOO)
by magnolia_eic | Oct 23, 2010 | Headlines, National News
President Benigno S. Aquino III said there is no need to import rice this year despite the
recent onslaught of super typhoon Juan.
The President made the announcement during a press conference at the Cauayan airport
after assessing the typhoon damage and spearheading the relief distribution in Barangay
Baligatan in Ilagan, Isabela Thursday morning.
Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala told reporters that damage to rice crops in Isabela, the
second biggest rice producer in Luzon, was minimal as farmers were able to harvest early in
anticipation of Typhoon Juan.
Alcala said the Department of Agriculture (DA) will immediately distribute planting materials
with short gestation period to enable farmers to catch up with the next planting season.
Earlier, the National Food Authority (NFA) said the rice shortfall due to the typhoon in
northern Luzon is manageable and the country still has a rice buffer stock good for 52 days
which is more than the grains agency’s mandate of keeping a 30-day supply of rice.
“So, at this point in time we are not contemplating on any importation,” the President said.
(PCOO)
by anyajulia | Oct 13, 2008 | Headlines, Local News / Bohol Balita, National News
PLUGGING a leak caused by the intricacies of devolution and the allegations of fund mismanagement by local authorities in the government program implementation, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has molded a national task force to monitor implementation of President Arroyo’s flagship Ginintuang Masaganang Ani (GMA) programs for rice and corn.
Arguing for the country’s food sufficiency program, Secretary Yap hopes that through his special order, the government can now ensure the efficient use of public funds and resources for these food security initiatives.
Sec Yap, who is expected in Bohol next week for the World Food Day and Rice Festival set October 16, earlier said by creating 4 teams through Special Order No. 380, the government expects a roving team checking on various aspects of the implementation of the GMA Rice and Corn Programs.
THE COUNTRY’S FOOD SECURITY manager DA Secretary Arthur Yap is expected here in Bohol this week to keynote on the dual activities set October 16, Thursday. (PIA)
On the other hand, the FIELDS Coordinating Team develops the components’ master plans and oversees their respective implementation.
The Field Mobilization Group monitors the implementation at the regional, provincial and municipal levels.
Meanwhile, the Strategic Policy and Advocacy Support Team, private sector and academic experts provide strategic advice on policy and advocacy concerns to help successfully attain the goals of the GMA Rice and Corn Programs, Yap said. (PIA)
