DA, South Korea partner to modernize PH rice sector

The Department of Agriculture (DA) of the Philippines is strengthening its partnership with South Korea to modernize the country's rice sector, a key component of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s food security goals.

This collaboration, supported by Official Development Assistance (ODA) Korea, focuses on enhancing rice seed and buffer stock management systems.

A recent workshop, held on June 5, 2025, in Manila, was organized by the Global Agricultural Policy Institute (GAPI) in partnership with the DA.

Participants in the workshop included representatives from PhilRice, National Food Authority (NFA), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and the National Rice Program (NRP).

The initiative is funded by South Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) and implemented by the Korea Rural Community Corporation (KRC).

The project aims to improve the rice supply chain, ensuring the viability of seeds and the quality of rice for distribution and emergency reserves.

Dr. Byung Ki Lee, President of GAPI, highlighted the workshop as a testament to the long-standing cooperation between South Korea and the Philippines in agricultural development.