A historic day unfolded at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) as top government officials came together to address the sharp decline in farmgate prices of palay (unpolished rice) and push for stronger national support for Filipino rice farmers.
Convened at the Department of Agrarian Reform office in Quezon City, under the direction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the special caucus brought together leaders from both the executive and legislative branches, including Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., House Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III, and Senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan, along with key provincial and local executives from major rice-producing areas.
Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III underscored the urgency of the discussion, saying, ‘There is urgency. These are the peak harvest months from October to December, and we must act now to protect our farmers’ livelihoods.’
He added that the meeting was not just a routine consultation but a call to action for the entire government to stand behind the country’s farmers.
‘Our palay farmers are the backbone of our food security. Under the President’s direction, we are appealing to all government agencies, including GOCCs, to procure rice directly from local producers. Every sack of rice we buy from our own farmers strengthens stability, dignity, and nation-building.’
This unified initiative, guided by the Bagong Pilipinas vision of Marcos, aims to stabilize palay prices, create stronger market demand, and provide immediate relief to farming communities.
The group will submit a formal recommendation to the President for a policy directive requiring all government offices and GOCCs to prioritize the procurement of locally produced rice.
This moment marks a renewed sense of unity, compassion, and decisive leadership-a clear reflection of how government can work together for the hands that feed the nation