NFA 7 Acting Regional Manager II Maria Fe H. Evasco takes part in the
Rice Industry Convergence Meeting along with the NFA Executives
headed by NFA Administrator Roderico R. Bioco, NFA Regional
Managers, heads of participating national government agencies, other
attached bureaus and corporations of the Department of Agriculture,
Irrigators Associations, and the private sectors at the National Irrigation
Administration’s Convention Hall in Quezon City on May 31, 2023.
In the said gathering, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., emphasized the
importance of elevating the government’s efforts to attain the “”97.4-
percent” rice self-sufficiency target in the country. As the concurrent
Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA), PBBM envisions to
create a long-lasting solutions on the challenges faced by the agricultural
sector.
During the convergence meeting, an overview of the Masagana Rice
Industry Development Program (MRIDP) and presentations on
convergence initiatives in Central Luzon, approaches in clustering,
consolidation, value chain development, digitalization approaches, and
the rice industry convergence action plan were likewise presented to the
President. One key component of the program is the convergence of all
stakeholders which aims to promote a culture of unity in the
development of rice industry. Through the conduct of the convergence
meeting, the
participating agencies would be able to formulate a matrix of
collaboration areas and
the Operational Plan of a Convergence Modality The President also
expressed optimism that with the technological component of the project,
it will attract younger folks to venture in the agriculture sector that would
address the growing decline of farmers in the country, of which are
averaged at 56-57 years old. The national government intends to use
emerging technologies in the field of agriculture to entice young
individuals to engage in agribusiness and farming.
In adherence with the marching order of the President, the National
Food Authority is in the right track as the new NFA Administrator also
envisions major reforms and approaches he intends to pursue under his
term of office that focus on universal access to post-harvest facilities and
digital transformation and modernization.
With the new administration’s thrusts, RM Evasco assured NFA Region
VII’s strong support and commitment for the implementation of
mechanized systems in farming and digitalization efforts to improve the
rice sector in the Region.