Key stakeholders in the rice industry gathered at the OPAg Training Hall, Tandag City, on November 6, 2025 for the Rice Sectoral Committee Meeting spearheaded by the Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Council (PAFC).

The meeting was attended by Hon. Valerio T. Montesclaros, Jr., Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Henrich M. Pimentel, Chairman of the Committee on Good Governance, Public Ethics, and Accountability and Provincial Agriculturist Esmeraldo S. Raymundo, RAgr. Representatives from the National Food Authority (NFA), local government units (LGUs), Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Unit (PEDIPU), Municipal Focal Persons on Rice, farmers, and OPAg staff also participated in the discussion.

The activity aimed to convene key stakeholders in the rice sector to collaboratively tackle the pressing challenges affecting rice production, pricing, and marketing across Surigao del Sur. The meeting also served as an avenue to initiate the development of guidelines for the establishment of a Provincial Rice Industry Council (PRIC) — a multi-sectoral body that will promote participatory governance and enhance coordination among stakeholders.

Participants also worked to formulate strategic actions to stabilize farmgate prices and improve transparency and efficiency along the rice value chain. Another key highlight of the discussion was the identification and prioritization of interventions addressing the lack of storage and post-harvest facilities throughout the province.

In addition, stakeholders strongly advocated for the establishment of a Rice Processing Center in Surigao del Sur to support value addition, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve market access and farmers’ income.

This initiative reflects the province’s continued effort to align local strategies with national rice policies to ensure long-term sustainability and food security for Surigao del Sur.