AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has ordered the creation of a Rice Data Analytics Center (RDAC) that would consolidate all rice-related information and analyses of issues and challenges affecting the industry.
The directive, issued as Department Order 3, Series of 2026 on Jan. 16, also tasks all DA offices, attached agencies, and other institutions to upload and update their data into the RDAC.
These data consists of information that supports analysis, planning, and decision-making for the rice industry, which covers irrigation systems, climate, risk assessments, and program intervention, among others.
The RDAC would be integrated into the DA Central Command Center under the DA Information and Communications Technology Service (ICTS) for accessibility and departmental use.
The RDAC would be headed by a designated center director under the office of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Data Analytics Center, with a deputy director to guarantee operational continuity.
Strategic oversight of the RDAC’s functions will be under the Office of the Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development.
Issues related to the digitalization of DA programs will be tackled by the Office of the PhilRice executive director.
The DA-Central Office and ICTS will appoint a focal person and an alternate to facilitate national-level coordination at the RDAC. They will be the DA Secretary’s primary contact persons for RDAC operations.
Funding for existing operational activities and personnel of the RDAC will be charged to PhilRice’s regular budget. Additional budget for new personnel will be charged to the National Rice Program (NRP) funds and downloaded to PhilRice, subject to applicable guidelines on budgeting and programming.
On the other hand, costs incurred by other involved DA offices (such as those related to data monitoring, preprocessing, or forwarding to the DAC) will be charged to these offices.
The RDAC will provide near-real-time national reports and higher-level insights, including decision support tools, forecasts, and policy prescriptions, the DA said.
It may also give specific in-depth analyses needed by DA staff.