Rice self-sufficiency under Duterte ‘doable’

The incoming Duterte administration’s commitment to pursue rice self-sufficiency is “tough but doable,” according to former Cotabato Gov. Emmanuel F. Piñol who was recently named to become the new chief of the Department of Agriculture.

In a statement posted on his Facebook wall, Piñol said all factors needed to ensure the Philippines could meet domestic demand were ready for harnessing.

“The only things required to accomplish this is focus and a stop to corruption,” he said.

Piñol reiterated there would be no target date for achieving self-sufficiency in rice. But, “I am confident that with an incorruptible President leading this country who is known for his bullheadedness in pursuing his vision and mission, the Philippines will attain rice sufficiency during the Duterte presidency,” he said.

Piñol earlier praised the attempts of his predecessor, Proceso J. Alcala, who has drawn flak for not meeting the Aquino administration’s target of self-sufficiency by 2013.

Piñol said such aim was worthy of continuing or copying. Still, “there is no definite timetable because the realization of this mission would depend on how fast we are able to implement the interventions I have (am recommending),” he said.

Piñol earlier said the DA’s assistant secretary for regulations, under his leadership, would address matters concerning the smuggling of agricultural commodities as well as corruption in the DA family of agencies.

Currently, the assistant secretary in charge of regulations is focused on matters related mainly to quarantine, importation and food safety.

Piñol noted the national shortfall for rice supply was projected to reach 1.8-million metric tons this year.