The President commended Secretary Alcala and the entire Department of Agriculture for their efforts in successfully reducing rice imports and vigorously implementing initiatives to attain sufficiency in rice and other major staples. The FSSP is the Aquino government’s banner medium-term program aimed at achieving food sufficiency, increasing the productivity and incomes of small farmers and fisherfolk, empowering farming and fishing communities, and making the country’s agricultural and fishery sector globally competitive. Barring destructive typhoons this year, the President said the country would not only be sufficient in rice, but also looks forwards to exporting rice next year. Also shown is Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo. (Photo by Jose Lucas, DA-Information Service)

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