DA Secretary Visits GID Roxas Warehouse, Holds Dialogue with Farmers in Isabela
Roxas, Isabela — June 20, 2025. Reinforcing the government's commitment to agricultural modernization and the empowerment of farmers, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Laurel P. Tiu Jr. conducted an on-site visit to the GID Roxas Warehouse of the National Food Authority (NFA) Isabela Branch Office located in Roxas, Isabela.
This visit is an integral part of the Secretary's efforts to ensure that the post-harvest and storage facilities under the Masagana Agri-Food Infrastructure Modernization (MAFIM) program are effective, operational, and in line with the national government's mandate on food security.
During the inspection of the facility, the Secretary evaluated the warehouse's operational conditions following its recent rehabilitation. The upgraded warehouse is designed to ensure the safe and efficient storage of palay and other grains, a critical factor during the harvest season.
“Our goal is to make sure that farmers’ hard work does not go to waste. Warehouses like this must be ready to receive and safeguard their harvests,” the Secretary emphasized. “Food security begins at the community level, and we are investing in the right infrastructure to support that.”
After to the facility inspections, a dialogue was held with local farmers to address their concerns, which included the palay procurement processes of the NFA, access to post-harvest facilities, and the impact of liberalized rice importation on local palay production. The consultation provided a valuable platform for farmers to convey their challenges and propose solutions directly to national policymakers, including Secretary Tiu.
A key topic of discussion was the proposed amendment to Republic Act No. 11203, or the Rice Tariffication Law or RTL. Farmers and stakeholders expressed strong support for the re-establishment of the regulatory and distribution functions of the NFA, particularly regarding its capacity to manage rice buffer stocks, price stabilization, and ensure adequate buffer stocks, especially during times of calamity or emergencies.
Additionally, the proposed provision to restore the authority of the DA Secretary to suspend or regulate rice importation when deemed necessary for the protection of local farmers and the maintenance of market stability was highlighted. “The ability to intervene in times of oversupply or emergency is critical,” Secretary Tiu stated. “We have to strike a balance between ensuring food availability and safeguarding the livelihood of our farmers.”
Among the participants in the dialogue were NFA Administrator Larry R. Lacson, PhD, officials from the DA and NFA Region 02, led by Acting Regional Manager II Engr. Julius B. Sugue, local government officials of Roxas, farmer leaders from various barangays, and representatives from the provincial agriculture sector.
The dialogue concluded with an assurance of the Department of Agriculture and the National Food Authority’s commitment to building a more resilient, self supporting and farmer-centered rice industry—one that recognizes the vital role of local producers in achieving true food security.
