Davao City — The local agriculture sector took a major stride forward with the successful launch of the Philippine Rice Industry Roadmap (PRIDR) 2025-2035 during the National Rice Stakeholders Conference held on November 27, 2025 in Lanang, Davao City.
Developed under the leadership of the Department of Agriculture (DA), the PRIDR establishes a long-term national framework for building a resilient, competitive, and sustainable rice industry. The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), an attached agency of the DA, provided technical guidance and convened multisectoral stakeholders in support of the roadmap’s development.
The event gathered government officials, private sector leaders, farmers, industry specialists, and development partners to demonstrate unified support for the country’s rice sector. One of the highlights was the signing of the Panata ng Pagkakaisa commitment wall, symbolizing the shared resolve of stakeholders to work collaboratively in advancing the rice industry.
DA Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development Engr. Christopher Morales underscored the significance of the PRIDR in driving long-term action for the sector. “The roadmap serves as a unified national blueprint that aligns all our long-term goals,” he said. “We strengthen our groundwork this year. We move forward with unstoppable momentum starting next year. So in 2026, let us turn our discussions into action under the MIRDP and guided by the long-term PRIDR.”
Years of collaboration and technical work
The PRIDR is the product of extensive policy development, research, consultation, and validation. Sarah Bales, Chief of PCAF’s Policy Development and Coordination Division, presented the timeline of its formulation—from the initial technical assistance provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to its final approval by the DA. She highlighted the importance of continuous stakeholder engagement throughout the process.
Meanwhile, Hazel Tanchuling, Executive Director of the Rice Watch Action Network (RWAN) and Chairperson of the PRIDR Technical Writing Team, discussed the roadmap’s key components and innovations, including sectoral goals, implementation strategies, performance indicators, and expected outcomes. She emphasized that the roadmap balances technical rigor with the inputs of farmers and industry groups from across the country.
Joining the roster of speakers were PRIDR Technical Writing Team member Recher Ondap and LEMMCAP President John Paparon, who shared their aspirations for the rollout of the roadmap and its contribution to farmer welfare, rural development, and value chain innovation. Mercedita Suco, an Ata-Manobo farmer from Talaingod, Davao del Norte and exhibitor at the event, expressed her gratitude to RWAN for equipping their community with the training and support needed to produce and market their heirloom rice sustainably.
DA-XI Regional Rice Program Coordinator Evelyn Basa also stressed the need for collaboration in the implementation phase. “Your involvement is crucial as we strengthen public-private collaboration in shaping a competitive and sustainable rice value chain,” she said.
Call to action and next steps
In her closing message, Marie Ann Constantino, Regional Technical Director for Operations of the DA Regional Field Office XI, underscored the importance of translating the roadmap into actionable initiatives. “Localizing and mainstreaming the PRIDR into agency work plans, local government unit programs, and community initiatives will be crucial in creating measurable, lasting impact,” she said. “A well-informed citizenry strengthens accountability and trust, and it helps the Filipino people understand how the PRIDR contributes to food security and improved livelihoods.”
The launch of the PRIDR coincided with the culmination of National Rice Awareness Month, reinforcing national commitment to food security, farmer empowerment, and agricultural modernization.
The PRIDR is expected to serve as the government’s primary blueprint for policy development, investment planning, and sector transformation for the next decade and beyond. In his message for the published roadmap, Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. affirmed the DA’s full commitment to implementing the PRIDR, as the Department seeks to boost productivity, build resilience, expand economic opportunities, and ensure that every Filipino has access to affordable and nutritious rice.
About PCAF
The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) is the lead policy advisory body of the Department of Agriculture. It facilitates multisectoral engagement, policy development, and stakeholder-driven recommendations to strengthen agricultural and fisheries development nationwide.
