A lot of Filipinos look at our proud tradition of rice production, scratch their heads, and wonder why the Philippines has to import rice. It is easy to assume that corruption, government incompetence, and a poor economic environment are to blame. I know I have.
But, consider these statements:
- …countries that have been consistently importing rice for more than 100 years… [like] the Philippines… are all islands or narrow peninsulas.
- …the Philippines bears the brunt of numerous typhoons, making rice production more difficult…
- …Filipino farmers receive much higher prices for their palay (rice at harvest before the husk is removed) than do farmers in neighboring developing countries.
These were all found in an IRRI publication entitled “Tricks of the Trade“, which discusses the effects of liberalizing the rice trade in the Philippines. It’s a good read for anyone who wants an in-depth look into our rice problem.
5 Responses to “Why the Philippines Imports Rice: An Alternative View”
geographic reasons are mentioned in the article but in succeeeding paragraphs faulty government policy which affects trade prices are also mentioned. also corruption is mentioned in the article.
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How very convenient it is to happen at the peak of jun lozada’s alligations. Hmmm…do I smell issue evasion? Not much pun intended ^_^
hay naku… the Rice Cartel is real and it really does exist.. in cohorts with NFA and now with GMA.. rice shortage is really dictated by NFA, for them to be able to import rice and earn money by selling them to commercial traders and turning it to commercial rice instead of NFA rice. it has been a long time practice for NFA people to earn money. GMA usaed the issue to erase the memory of our pathetic filipino minds who are cowards and easily forgets what GMA has done to the country
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