Wazzup Pilipinas!?
A decade from now, the Philippines may face a devastating agricultural crisis—the collapse of its rice, corn, poultry, and hog industries. This alarming prediction stems from the relentless onslaught of pro-importation policies, particularly the Rice Tariffication Law and reduced tariffs on imported food commodities. These laws have discouraged local farmers, forcing them to abandon traditional crops and explore more profitable yet unsustainable alternatives.
With no clear sign of policy reform due to strong lobbying from vested interests, the only hope lies in localized interventions—bold initiatives from provincial governments that prioritize food security and agricultural sustainability.
How Importation Policies Are Killing Local Agriculture
When the Rice Tariffication Law was enacted in 2019, the government hoped to stabilize rice prices and boost national food security by opening the market to more imports. However, the unintended consequence was a severe blow to Filipino farmers, who suddenly had to compete with cheaper foreign rice.
The effects ripple beyond rice farming. The corn industry, which plays a vital role in producing animal feed, is suffering due to reduced tariffs on imported grains. As a result, many corn farmers in North Cotabato—once considered a powerhouse in corn production—are abandoning their fields in favor of more profitable crops. Meanwhile, in lowland farming areas, vast rice paddies are being converted into banana plantations, further shrinking local grain production.
Without a thriving corn sector, industries that rely on grain-based feeds—poultry, hogs, cattle, and small ruminants—face an existential crisis. The entire food production chain is at risk.
No Hope for Policy Reform? The Stronghold of Vested Interests
Many farmers and agricultural experts have called for amendments or even a complete repeal of the Rice Tariffication Law. However, powerful lobbyists from corporate importers and traders have ensured that these pro-importation policies remain intact.
As a result, national food security is increasingly reliant on foreign suppliers, leaving the country vulnerable to global price fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and even trade restrictions. If the government refuses to reverse course, the burden falls on local governments and private stakeholders to devise innovative solutions.
A Localized Solution: The Cotabato Rice Republic and Integrated Farming System
In response to this growing crisis, a localized strategy is emerging in North Cotabato—one that could serve as a model for other provinces.
1. The Cotabato Rice Republic: Saving Local Rice Farmers
This program aims to protect both farmers and consumers by ensuring a stable supply chain for local rice production. Key features include:
Support for Irrigators’ Associations: Farmers will receive direct support from the Provincial Government and the Department of Agriculture.
Guaranteed Buying Price: Local palay (unmilled rice) will be purchased at ₱22 per kilo (clean and dry), ensuring farmers earn fair compensation.
Affordable Premium Rice for Consumers: The program will cap the market price of premium rice at ₱45 per kilo, making quality rice accessible to Filipino households.
By cutting out exploitative middlemen and stabilizing prices, this initiative empowers farmers while preventing excessive rice price inflation for consumers.
2. The Integrated Farming System: Strengthening the Corn, Poultry, and Hog Industries
A robust agricultural system requires a self-sustaining cycle, where local farmers produce essential feed materials to support the livestock sector. The Integrated Farming System aims to:
Promote corn, sorghum, soybeans, and copra meal production as primary feed ingredients for poultry, hogs, and cattle.
Reduce dependence on imported animal feeds, keeping local meat production profitable.
Encourage suppliers to prioritize locally sourced grains and livestock over imported alternatives.
By establishing an autonomous food security strategy, North Cotabato hopes to insulate itself from national policies that favor importers over local producers.
National and Global Developments: Strengthening the Fight for Food Security
While local solutions are gaining traction, efforts are also being made on a national and international scale to protect the country’s food industry.
Temporary bans on poultry imports from avian influenza-affected countries like Japan and Austria are being enforced to protect local poultry farmers. (Source)
The Philippines is pushing for stronger rice trade partnerships with Vietnam to ensure a stable supply of imported rice amid growing domestic demand. (Source)
These efforts highlight the urgent need for both local and national interventions to prevent an agricultural collapse.
A Call to Action: Can Local Governments Save the Industry?
If left unchecked, the collapse of the rice, corn, poultry, and hog industries will have catastrophic consequences:
Increased poverty among farmers and rural communities.
Soaring food prices due to overreliance on imports.
Diminished national food security, leaving the country vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions.
The Cotabato Rice Republic and Integrated Farming System represent beacons of hope—blueprints for how local governments can fight back against flawed national policies.
Will North Cotabato lead the way in agricultural resilience? Can other provinces follow suit?
The future of Philippine agriculture depends on bold, localized leadership—before it’s too late.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
