As part of the development of the National and Regional Climate-Resilient Agro-Industry-Based Value Chain Analysis (I-VCA) for Milled Rice, the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) I-PLAN component, in partnership with the Regional Rice Program, conducted a three-day intensive activity from May 6 to 8, 2025.

This initiative was designed to gather critical stakeholder inputs, assess key findings, and consolidate technical insights essential to strengthening the rice value chain amid evolving climate challenges.

In attendance during the activity were representatives from various key stakeholder groups, including input suppliers, farmers, cooperative and private miller-traders, private palay traders, traditional and modern rice traders, importers, agents, enablers, Provincial Local Government Units, City Government of Naga and representative from the Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC). Their participation was instrumental in gathering critical insights and identifying sector-specific challenges, which will aid the formulation of responsive strategies to address issues within the rice value chain.

During the kickoff activity, Mary Ann Cuya, I-PLAN Component Head, stated that the consultation would serve as a valuable platform for fostering a shared understanding and gathering diverse insights. She further noted that the session aims to validate the findings of the ongoing study on the current state of the rice industry within the region.

“We are here to listen, to learn and to work together to address our shared challenges and to collectively build a more vibrant and sustainable value chain for the benefit of our community”, she said

In his message, Lorenzo Alvina, OIC-RTD for Research and Regulations, underscored that the activity aims to contribute to the development of improved and innovative business models for the rice sector. He stressed the importance of generating transformative outcomes, stating that this is the opportune moment for stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue. “Everyone has a stake in this industry—not only farmers and entrepreneurs, but also consumers—because we all rely on rice,” he added.

Arra Nicole Cruzat, Assistant Rice Program Focal Person, provided an overview of the current state of the rice industry in the Bicol Region, highlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities. Engr. John Jeric Batanes presented the rationale behind the activity and outlined the workshop mechanics to guide participants through the sessions. He also delivered a comprehensive overview of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), emphasizing its objectives and relevance to the region’s agricultural development.

The participants actively participated in a series of structured workshops aimed at identifying critical challenges and exploring practical solutions for the rice sector. Through collaborative dialogue, they collectively developed strategic approaches to support the industry’s sustained growth and development.

Also present were representatives from the PRDP National Project Coordination Office (NPCO) I-PLAN component and the Project Support Office (PSO) South Luzon, who provided technical assistance during the activity.

In her closing message, Atty. Gladys Regondola-Guzman, Planning Specialist of PRDP Bicol, expressed her appreciation to the key stakeholders for their active participation in identifying the challenges faced by the rice industry.

She emphasized that the ongoing value chain analysis serves as a vital foundation for the development of commodity investment plans, which are also utilized by Provincial Local Government Units (PLGUs) and may be considered for funding under the PRDP. She also added that in the formulation of the rice value chain analysis, the objective is to attain a comprehensive understanding of the prevailing challenges within the industry and to identify strategic interventions that will promote sustainable development throughout the entire value chain—from the provision of inputs to the final consumption by end-users. #