CITY OF SAN FERNANDO The Department of Agriculture (DA) for Central Luzon conducted the Consultation Workshop for the Upcoming Luzon A Cluster-Wide Meeting on Rice Industry Development under the Rice Banner Program on March 21 to 22 in Angeles City.

It was also participated by the Agriculture Provincial Coordinators of Central Luzon, Office of the Provincial Agriculture, Agricultural Training Institute, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), National Food Authority, National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Pampanga River Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (PRFFWC), Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines.

Regional Executive Director Crispulo Bautista, Jr., and Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extension and Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division Dr. Eduardo L. Lapuz, Jr. along with Rice Banner Program Focal Person Lowell Rebillaco, and some department officials attended the event.

Bautista stressed the importance of the meeting in addressing the goals for sufficiency in rice production.

The meeting is also aimed at streamlining efforts to promote better rice production in the region.

“To address the challenges, ito ‘yung mga key strategies under the masagana program. Una, ‘yung increase production by optimizing yield, reducing risk, and increasing resilience through climate change adaptation measures. Pangalawa, to attain economies of scale towards efficient farm operations and agribusiness through farm clustering and consolidation. Pangatlo, shift the program towards a holistic triple A at panghuli ay ‘yung fast-track the digital transformation of agriculture,” Bautista said.