Due to recent developments and public statements, rice has become a subject of great attention in the Philippines. A senator challenged the National Food Authority to demonstrate its effectiveness amidst rising rice prices, while executives from the Department of Agriculture acknowledged the difficulty in achieving affordable rice at 20 pesos per kilo. With 110 million Filipinos relying on rice as their staple food and over 2.4 million small farmers involved in rice cultivation, it is evident that rice holds a central position in our lives and politics. However, despite its significance, the rice industry remains stagnant and plagued with problems.
The state of the rice industry reflects the state of the Philippines as a whole, suggesting that the country is at a critical juncture. The industry’s inability to flourish indicates that the Philippines is in dire straits, only if frustration could lead to its demise. The rice industry serves as a crucial aspect of the country’s economy, politics, and population, making it a key player in shaping the future of the Philippines. Just like water, earth, and air, rice has become an essential part of Filipino life.
So why is the rice industry in such a state of decline? Throughout the last 50 years, I have closely observed the dynamics surrounding rice in the Philippines. While I haven’t personally planted rice, I have been involved in professional and commercial activities related to rice production. I have witnessed the changes that have occurred since the early 70s, and even today, 50 years later.
Ferdinand Marcos, Sr., the former president, heavily prioritized rice during the late 60s. Whenever there was a shortage of rice or an increase in prices, he viewed it as a threat to his administration. Although Marcos didn’t completely solve the underlying issues of the rice problem, he took urgent and bold action to address some of them. His flagship program, Masagana 99, received substantial funding and authority. On the production side, he provided strong intervention through subsidized farm inputs and extensive financing schemes for small farmers. While Marcos’s efforts may not have achieved ultimate success, they successfully prevented any rice-related problems from jeopardizing his political standing. I can personally attest that the economics of rice significantly improved during this period. However, the implementation of Masagana 99 almost led to the collapse of the rural banking industry in the Philippines. The reason behind this contradiction is clear – corruption.
Looking back at the past 50 years, we can see many well-intentioned government programs that ultimately failed. These programs were heavily funded but drained our treasury, leaving our country and people worse off, except for a select few at the top who still profited. Corruption played a major role in these failures. The evidence lies in our burgeoning national debt, nearing one trillion pesos, and the lack of overall improvement for the majority of Filipinos.
While some may argue that the past is behind us and we should move on, doing so without addressing the underlying issues will only perpetuate our problems. It will lead to stagnation, where moving forward holds no value or insights for the future. To truly progress, we must start with the rice industry. If rice is an accurate representation of the country’s state of affairs, then it serves as a starting point for revitalizing other essential industries and sectors. By prioritizing the small rice farmers and their dependents, like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand did, we can pave the way for progress.
When we require water, electricity, or fuel, we have no bargaining power, and the government often negotiates on our behalf. However, when it comes to rice, we expect our farmers to bear the burden, with little regard for their own need for a decent life. The idea of 20 pesos per kilo rice is unrealistic and unattainable without substantial subsidies. Instead, we need to pay our farmers fair wages, secure their future, and in turn, secure our own.
In conclusion, let us learn from the past and understand why great-sounding plans and programs have elicited intuitive distrust. Corruption has plagued our history, and it is essential to confront it head-on. Moving forward requires acknowledging and rectifying our mistakes. Starting with the rice industry and the small farmers, we can set the stage for a brighter future for the Philippines.
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