The National Food Authority (NFA), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), and Korean development partners reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the country’s food security during a workshop on the achievements and future directions of the Korea-Philippines Official Development Assistance (ODA) Project held at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City.
The workshop reviewed the accomplishments of the US$5.38-million (about P315.6 million) ODA initiative and discussed strategies to sustain the modernization of the country’s rice supply chain. Launched in 2022, the project aims to strengthen the rice value chain through quality seed production, postharvest management, buffer stock operations, and institutional capacity building.
Representing NFA Administrator Dr. Larry R. Lacson, Corporate Planning and Management Services Department Manager Mario G. Andrada said the partnership has strengthened the agency’s modernization efforts and its ability to carry out its mandate.
“This partnership enhances our capacity to fulfill our mandate of maintaining sufficient buffer stocks and supporting the government’s food security agenda. It demonstrates that through innovation, international cooperation, and strong partnerships, we can build a more responsive and modern food security system,” Lacson said in a message delivered by Andrada.
Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Christopher V. Morales said strengthening food security requires improving the entire rice value chain rather than focusing solely on increasing production.
“We have strengthened information systems that support seed and buffer stock management. We have invested in capacity building and technical cooperation that will continue to benefit our institutions long after this project concludes. These accomplishments are certainly worth celebrating,” Morales said.
The workshop also featured presentations on the project’s implementation, lessons learned, and accomplishments. It also introduced the proposed Digital Agriculture Transformation through Enhanced Technology (DA-TECH) initiative, which seeks to accelerate the digital transformation of Philippine agriculture.
A panel discussion involving representatives from the NFA, PhilRice, the Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture Philippines Center, and the Department of Agriculture explored ways to sustain the gains of the ODA project and expand future collaboration.
According to the NFA, the project has improved its buffer stocking operations through an ICT-based Buffer Stock Management Information System, upgraded digital infrastructure, and modern warehouse technologies that have enhanced inventory monitoring and operational efficiency.
The agency said the workshop concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to continue investing in innovation, technology, and institutional partnerships to build a more modern rice supply chain, ensure stable buffer stocks, and strengthen the country’s food security.
