While we cannot compete with other better-endowed lands in Southeast Asia like Thailand and Vietnam, we should at least aim to drop the reputation of being the top rice importer. We should involve the farmers in buffer stocking rice and improve assistance to them by systematizing the extension system in agriculture and fisheries. As we understand it, there are safety nets that the government has instituted from way back. The budget for agriculture and fisheries has increased since the first year of the implementation of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernizations Act of 1997. We have to focus our assistance to the farmers and fisherfolk.

Sustained effort to attain food sufficiency. (2018, December 15). Panay News, p. 8.