Forum on Rice Crisis, Modernization of Agriculture

and Agrarian Reform

 

Bonus Tracks:

AGHAM video on the state of science and technology in the Philippines

 

 

Balay Kalinaw, UP Diliman Campus

July 24, 2008

 

 

Mr. Reynan P. Calderon, Agricultural Economist

Bataan Peninsula State University

The Continuing Rice Deficiency in the Philippines

 

Ms. Finesa A. Cosico

Projects and Extension Officer, AGHAM

Grains Operations Officer, National Food Authority

Modernizing Agriculture: A Challenge to the Current Crisis

 

 

Hon.Rafael V.Mariano

Representative, Anakpawis Partylist

Chair, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas

The Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill (GARB)

 

Hon. Satur C. Ocampo

Representative and President, Bayan Muna Partylist

The Rice Industry Development Act (RIDA)
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Notes on the lecture of Mr. Reynan P. Calderon

 

History of rice supply deficiencies

In the 1930s, bad weather during 1934-1936 resulted to poor harvest and reduced rice production by 20% causing rice prices to go up by 25% in 1935 and 27% in 1936. This prompted the government to import rice in 1936 and established the National Rice and Corn Corporation (NARIC).

In the 1970s, due to poor weather, pest infestation, and the Great Central Luzon flooding (1972), rice output was reduced by 17%. It led to the establishment of the National Grains Authority (NGA) in 1970 and later, the National Food Authority (which had more expanded scope than NARIC (1936). NGA’s objective was for the integrated growth and development of the grains industry including rice, corn, feed grains, and other grains

1995 Asian Crisis. Increases in the prices of major commodities, especially those that their raw materials are importables. Rice was not spared from it.

 

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The Rice Producing Province of Bataan


• Net surplus of 4%
• One of the provinces with commitment to supply rice to Metro Manila
• BUT? Why is it that there is also a 5am line at the NFA?

The Rice Producing Region of Central Luzon


• 19% of the total irrigated area is in the region –with 85% remaining area for development
• Has 18% of the country’s total supply of rice
• Net exporter of rice to other regions (Metro Manila)
• STILL –there is a line up at the NFA. Why?

The Rice Producing Province and Region
 

Bataan and Central Luzon are the microcosm of Philippine society as it faces this worsening problem of rice deficiency and increasing rice prices.
Not all residents of Bataan can afford higher rice prices but there are still some people who can afford rice at a higher price. Meaning, there are rice that have been traded outside of Bataan. And what is left has been traded inside Bataan at a higher price. The same thing is true with Central Luzon. As long as there is a deepening poverty problem, even if there is enough rice supply, the same situation will always prevail.

 

What Ought To Be Done?


• Increase Technical Efficiency
• Optimize the Use of Marginalized Lands
• Reduce the Wastage/Losses From Production to Consumption
 

Grains and losses

Rice consumption per capita

 

Bulatlat: Scientists Call for Thoroughgoing Reforms to Resolve Rice Crisis

 

Manifesto of Filipino scientists to solve the rice crisis

 

 

Dr. Gene Alzona-Nisperos

Vice-Chair, Health Alliance for Democracy

Convenor, RESIST Agrochem TNCs

Mr. Antonio Flores

Spokesperson/Convenor

Bantay Bigas
Rice Production and Importation

 
 

 

Dr. Giovanni Tapang

Chair, AGHAM

 
 

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

Comparative mechanization level

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                 Tractors*    Harvesters/Threshers*         

Philippines         102                   6

Thailand          1,170                370

Vietnam          1,689              2,903

 

* per 1,000 hectares

From: presentation of Ms.Cosico
FORUM SPONSORS ►

 

Download:

 

Presentation of Ms. Finesa Cosico

 

Presentation of Rep. Rafael Mariano

 

Manifesto of Filipino scientists to solve the rice crisis

 

 

 

AGHAM (Samahan ng Nagtataguyod ng Agham at Teknolohiya Para sa Sambayanan is an organization of patrioticindividuals who advocate science and technology for the people. Bonded together by a common interest of promoting a science and technology that genuinely serve the interest of the basic Filipino masses, AGHAM believes that in order to make the S&T sector contribute to genuine national development, it must recognize the need to stop the various cycle of poor science education, backward and stunted science and technology and economic subservience brought about by historical and socio-economic circumstances that beset the country.

 

RESIST AGROCHEM TNCs (Resistance and Solidarity Against Agrochemical TNCs) is a broad alliance of Philippine-based  farmers' organization, NGOs, scientists, health workers/professionals, academe and concerned individuals in opposition to Agrochemical TNCs and the evil menace of imperialist globalization. It promotes and advocates for alternative, natural and sustainable farming, and pushes for genuine agrarian reform as the foundation of food security and social justice.

 

Thursday, July 24, 2008
The Manilal Times

Column: PROMETHEUS BOUND
By Giovanni Tapang, Ph.D.
 

AGHAM's history

Today marks the ninth anniversary of AGHAM or the Samahan ng Nagtataguyod ng Agham at Teknolohiya para sa Sambayanan.

Since our inception on July 24, 1999, AGHAM has obtained the recognition as the science and technology organization most vocal and active on issues concerning the environment, public utilities, food security and self-sufficiency, scientific and mass culture and advocacy for national industrialization. We are glad that in more than one occasion, our work and position on issues has made front-page news.

We are a national organization of scientists, engineers and advocates dedicated to make science and technology serve the people through direct community service and advocacy. We have chapters in government offices, in Los Banos and the NCR as well as individual members from Baguio, Bataan, in the Visayas, in Iloilo and Cebu and in Mindanao.

Since 1999, we have figured prominently in various issues concerning the Meralco refund (2002) and other campaigns against power rate hikes (2005). AGHAM has been active in filing opposition to these hikes at the Energy Regulatory Commission since 2004 and has also filed petitions on several issues to the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals together with other groups like Bayan Muna and its allies.

During the height of the Hello Garci controversy, we have been one of the first to offer to test the tapes. In the Wowowee tradgedy, we pointed out the science behind stampedes as well as the economic reasons that push the people to risk their lives. We have joined mobilizations of farmers, workers and other sectors on different issues related not only to science and technology but also to general concerns such as oil price hikes, increasing food prices, foreign military presence and other gut issues of the day.

From 2001 until now, we have joined TXTPower as its secretariat while exposing and fighting against the imposition of text taxes as well as unreasonable rates and pricing of telecommunications companies. We participated in Congressional hearings at the House of Representatives and the Senate on issues such as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, mining, genetic engineering and science budgets. We have also stood consistently in calling for increased research and development funding and campaigning against science budget cuts since 1999.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have worked with the people of Rapu-Rapu and Defend Patrimony! in pointing out the folly of Lafayette mining operations. This engagement against mining trans­national corporations and our work with affected communities and groups have led to our involvement in drafting a People's Mining Policy which puts the interest of the people first rather than expedite foreign mining plunder. We have also stood with workers in investigating the effects of chemical exposure as well as with farmers in trying to help them improve their production and resist transnational control in agriculture while marching with them and calling for genuine land reform.

Moreover, we have consistently put out newsletters since our founding anniversary and maintained a website(www.agham.org) to disseminate our findings and positions. We have programs for science education with our People's Science School, that brings basic science education to communities, as well as the Science for the People Colloquium that we have been conducting since 2001. In addition, AGHAM also joined international conferences and other alliances such as the International Alliance Against Agrochemical Trans­national Corporations and the International League of People's Struggles.

Our nine year advocacy work has shown us that the people must be at the receiving end of the products of any scientific and technological undertaking for it to be most meaningful. We believe that it is best when science and technology are used to uplift the lives of the broad masses of our people and not just the few elite.

Historically, science and technology development has never been and never will be separated from the concerns of society. As the people seek to make their farms productive, build industries, produce local goods that they can utilize and improve their living conditions, people will find themselves developing science and shaping trends in technology to address their needs.

This is the social context in which scientists and engineers of this country are called upon to act. Without a doubt, they possess a great potential and play a crucial role towards attaining genuine development. In the end, it is through the struggle of the people towards a better future that scientists and engineers can find unity with them. Only through realizing this goal that we can make science and technology serve the people.

 

www.agham.org



 

BONUS TRACKS:

AGHAM VIDEO ON THE STATE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES
Part 1 Part 2
Part 3 Part 4

 

 
 

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