In an effort to address the challenges of the Cordillera region鈥檚 rice sector, the National Sectoral Committee on Rice (NSC on Rice) and the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council in Cordillera Administrative Region (RAFC CAR) gathered for a collaborative dialogue on August 26 to 29, 2025, in Banaue, Ifugao Province.
The activity provided a platform for rice stakeholders to openly discuss issues, share knowledge, and address policy gaps at both national and local levels, strengthening collaboration and fostering partnerships for sustained agricultural development.
During the dialogue, the 黑料网鈥� (PCAF) private sector-partners developed a set of recommendations designed to address the key issues and forge a sustainable path for the rice sector of the region.
CAR holds a unique and critical position in the country’s rice industry due to its centuries-old terrace farming systems and heirloom rice varieties.
Dr. Susan Balanza, the Regional AFC Executive Officer and DA RFO CAR Chief Planning Officer, expressed hope that the event would help raise issues that could be used to create policies for the heirloom rice industry. She also highlighted the significance of heirloom rice as a unique product of the Cordilleras, deeply connected to its culture and the famous Rice Terraces.
Beyond its role in food security, heirloom rice commands premium prices in both local and international markets, offering farmers valuable opportunities for better income. Stakeholders stressed that protecting and promoting heirloom rice is not only an economic concern but also a cultural responsibility of future generations.
Atty. Reginald Buduhan, the Provincial Legal Officer representing the Governor of Ifugao, supported this view. He emphasized that agricultural development must go hand in hand with preserving the cultural traditions associated with heirloom rice farming.
The dialogue brought together a wide range of participants, including members of the NSC on Rice and Other Food Staples, representatives from the CAR AFC, and officials from various government agencies of DA.
The collaborative dialogue identified several key issues and resulted in policy recommendations and resolutions that can serve as models for other regions.
Participants noted that low palay prices and high input costs decreased farmers’ profitability. They recommended that the DA Regional Field Office CAR coordinate with provinces to establish a standardized production cost basis to ensure fair pricing.
They also advised streamlining loan program procedures and expanding the list of approved input products to provide farmers with timely access to necessary resources.
Concerns were also raised about the limited post-harvest and quality control measures to address issues such as weevil infestation and high aflatoxin levels. It was recommended that farmers receive hermetic bags for improved packaging.
For quality control, promoting certifications such as Good Agricultural Practices, Good Manufacturing Practices, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System was emphasized to help farmers produce quality products for local and international markets.
The highly labor-intensive nature of terrace farming, which discourages many farmers, was a key concern.
While prioritizing cultural heritage, the participants discussed the need for mechanization, emphasizing the use of small, portable machines such as micro tillers and grass cutters that are suited to the unique terrain.
According to farmers, this approach would lessen the workload while preserving the cultural identity of heirloom rice farming. The dialogue also proposed funding for rice field restoration to motivate farmers to continue production.
To further appreciate the challenges and unique farming system of the region, the participants conducted field visits to the famous Banaue Rice Terraces and the Banaue Consolidation and Processing Center. This provided a firsthand look at the farming practices and value chain, reinforcing the importance of the solutions discussed. | Jezebel Campaniel
