Philippines Hits Record-High Rice Production in 2023 Under President Marcos’ Leadership

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. proudly announced a historical achievement in the country’s agricultural sector, marking 2023 as a year of record-high rice production. The Philippines saw its palay output surge to an unprecedented 20.06 million metric tons, a significant increase from the 19.76 million metric tons recorded in 2022.

In his address during a ceremonial palay harvest in Candaba, Pampanga, President Marcos underscored the collective efforts behind this success, stating, “Due to our united efforts, we achieved a record harvest in 2023, reaching over 20 million metric tons of palay.” He attributed this 1.5% increase in production, equivalent to an additional 300,000 metric tons of palay, to the distribution of superior seed varieties and extensive support in fertilization, reflecting the dedication and hard work of Filipino farmers.

This remarkable production volume also contributed to an increase in the overall value of the agriculture and fisheries sectors, which rose to P1.763 trillion in 2023 from P1.757 trillion the previous year. Despite this achievement, the country grappled with a significant rise in rice inflation, which hit its fastest rate in 14 years at 19.6% in December 2023.

In response to the challenges in the rice industry and to further support the sector, President Marcos announced that the government has earmarked P31 billion under the National Rice Program. The program aims to bolster the administration’s efforts in production support, extension services, research and development, and enhancing irrigation network services.

Additionally, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund will be strategically utilized to reinforce the agricultural sector, aiding farmers with the distribution of essential farm equipment such as tillers, tractors, seeders, threshers, rice planters, reapers, and driers. The Department of Agriculture has allocated P10 billion to this fund, with the goal of improving the competitiveness of the rice industry through rice seed development, provision of farm equipment, credit, and extension services.

President Marcos also highlighted the government’s commitment to provide additional financial support to farmers through the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines. He emphasized the role of various institutions such as the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Agricultural Training Institute, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in introducing modern farming methods to farmers.

During his visit to Candaba, President Marcos led the ceremonial palay harvesting and distributed various forms of assistance to over 12,000 farmers and ten farmers’ cooperatives and associations. The Department of Agriculture further supported the farmers by providing fertilizer discount vouchers, grants for working capital and hauling vehicles, and by constructing agricultural infrastructure.

President Marcos concluded by reiterating the government’s dedication to uplifting the agricultural sector, describing it as a fundamental step towards building a New Philippines where no one goes hungry and everyone actively contributes to a more prosperous future.