THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has created the Interim Rice Industry Development Office to strengthen the country’s rice sector, with the implementing department order signed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. last Aug. 26.
“The establishment of a specialized office shall strengthen coordination, monitoring and strategic implementation of rice development initiatives; maximize the growth potential of the industry; and respond to ongoing and anticipated executive and legislative actions and priorities,” the DA’s order states.The order also mentions that the specialized unit would be tasked with overseeing all rice interventions across the value chain, standardizing monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and facilitating rice digitalization efforts to maintain a central industry database.The office will be under the Office of the Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development. It will consolidate and integrate operations in coordination with the National Rice Program Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Program Management Office and a broader secretariat.The establishment of a unified framework aims to address structural challenges, including rising production costs, inadequate postharvest infrastructure and climate vulnerabilities — by transforming the rice sector from a purely production-focused approach into a market-oriented, resilient and competitive industry.The unit will manage all funds allocated for rice development, improving fiscal transparency and accountability.Operational funding and personnel will be drawn from existing rice program allocations under the General Appropriations Act.
