The country is almost completely dependent on imports for its salt and milk requirements. Rice may eventually be added to the list. Several studies in recent years have shown a continuing decline in the number of young Filipinos engaging in rice farming. Apart from threatening domestic rice production, the declining population of rice farmers has contributed to the deterioration of one of the country’s top tourist destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ifugao Rice Terraces.

The Editorial Board. (2025, January 6). Discouraging fishing [Editorial]. The Philippine Star, p. 8.