Top officials and stakeholders of the Department of Agriculture National Rice Program (NRP) gathered for a four-day Operational Planning Workshop from May 19 to 22, 2025, at the DA-Batanes Experiment Station in Basco, Batanes, highlighting strategic alignment and data-driven planning to strengthen the country’s rice sector.

Leading the national activity was Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development Engr. Christopher Morales, who outlined several critical directives to boost efficiency and impact in program delivery. Among his key instructions were the re-assessment of the FY 2024 Continuing Funds implementation, expediting geo-referencing of rice farms to guide the distribution of interventions, and utilizing spatial data to identify investment gaps in the rice industry.

He also emphasized the need for stronger inter-agency coordination, alignment with the National Irrigation Administration’s cropping calendar for timely procurement and release of inputs, and the importance of proactive planning, with Rice Program Focals serving as points of convergence.

Assistant Secretary for Operations U-Nichols Manalo also delivered a message focusing on rice clustering and consolidation to enhance the strategic positioning of various government interventions across regions.

As such, DA RFO 02 Regional Executive Director Dr. Rose Mary Aquino warmly welcomed the participants who highlighted Batanes not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its agricultural resilience and innovation.

“Batanes stands as a worthy example of resilience. Despite frequent typhoons and natural calamities, the province has consistently shown strength, discipline, and unity, qualities reflected in its agricultural practices and its people,” Aquino said.

She proudly shared that Region 02 ranks second in rice production nationwide and is number one in rice sufficiency, largely due to the hard work of the farmers across the region from the vast paddies of Isabela and Cagayan to the heirloom rice terraces of Batanes. She highlighted the continued cultivation of traditional rice varieties such as Chininis and Imbayung, which are known for their cultural value, climate resilience, and sustainable cultivation methods.

Director Aquino also underscored Batanes’ potential in food tourism, where heirloom rice is often paired with unique local dishes like luñis, uvud, and venes, reflecting the Ivatan people’s deep connection to their land, culture, and sustainable way of life.

“This workshop is a platform for collaboration, strategy harmonization, and a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to a rice industry that honors our roots, embraces innovation, and uplifts every Filipino rice farmer,” Aquino remarked.

Also in attendance were National Rice Program Consultants Dr. Valentino Perdido and Dr. Andrew Villacorta, NRP officials and staff, DA RFO 02 OIC-Chief of the Field Operations Division and concurrent Regional Rice Coordinator, Dr. Marvin Luis, regional rice program focal persons, report officers, and Provincial Agriculturist Mr. Cesar Doroteo V. Hostallero, who represented Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco.

As part of the four-day activity, Undersecretary Morales and Director Aquino engaged directly with local rice farmers during the Rice Field Day and Program Orientation held in the Municipality of Mahatao. The event brought together farmers from Mahatao, Ivana, Basco, and Uyugan, and was graced by the presence of Mahatao Mayor Pedro Poncio and Ivana Mayor Celso Batallones.

The activity focused on strengthening Upland Rice Development in Batanes through the introduction of three traditional specialty rice varieties namely Calatrava, Red Rice, and Dinorado, from the mainland. Each farmer received one kilogram of each variety to promote adoption and boost yield and productivity.

The orientation also promoted the Palayaman model to encourage diversified income sources for farmers and advocated for the organic practice of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), aligning with Batanes’ sustainable and community-based agricultural development.

Thus, the nationwide planning meeting concluded with renewed unity and strengthened direction under the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program, aiming for a more efficient, farmer-centered, and sustainable rice industry in line with the goals of Bagong Pilipinas.