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RICE'S POWER
The Philippine Star It has been said that a Filipino president who can put into fruition the country's aspirations of rice self-sufficiency will assure his administration of an extended term in office, not to mention respect and endearment of its gentle constituency. Such is the power of rice, a basic staple in the Filipino meal eaten at least once a day by all social classes, cutting through age, gender and economic standing in the community. The first vestige of country's attempt at rice self-sufficiency, albeit short-lived, happened under the governance of the late president Ferdinand Marcos. The country for the first time in years had a rice surplus, even exporting modest volumes. He stayed in power for more than two decades. Since then, though, succeeding administrations have found it a struggle to get back on track. The goal had become – and still is – an elusive pursuit that has been compounded by one of the fastest growing populations in the world. For a country of about 90 million where poverty still stalks not just in rural areas, but also in slum dwellings in the metropolis, assuaging those hunger pangs means having at least a serving of three cups of rice a day. Often times, a poor family would share a can of sardines or slices of dried fish with only a plateful of rice. It may seem such a frugal meal, but it does get most of our countrymen through the day. Deprive them of rice, though, and the hunger pangs turn to anger and rage – the stuff of such adrenalin that spills out to the streets, capable of toppling a president from office. Expecting a shortfall There have been so many rice production programs initiated in the past, and still, even with claims of record harvests year after year, consumers as well as rice farmers are confounded at the news of continuing increase in rice import volumes. Just recently, the agriculture department bought 335,500 metric tons of rice, again to make up for an expected shortfall in domestic production. Next month, some 50,000 tons will come into the country on top of the more than 800,000 that entered our ports since January. In only four months, government would have exceeded its original import target of 1.2 million metric tons. That target has since then be revised to 2.1 million tons. Now, because of tightening global rice supply, the Arroyo administration is hell bent on assuring restless Filipinos, sick of relentless corruption scandals, that there is enough rice and at the right price. Global phenomenon The task at hand may not be as simple as it seems. If in the past, buying rice from Most worrisome, however, is the spiraling prices in the global market, almost tracking the phenomenal rise in crude oil prices in the past 12 to 13 months. Experts are saying it's not just freight, but also the race for lands being planted to other crops including fuel substitutes. Last year, a ton of rice ranged from $360 to $400; today, it's now averaging $600. Pushing for self-sufficiency Now, more than ever, would seem to be the best time to push for rice self-sufficiency. But this time, government should earnestly ensure that all corners are covered to guarantee real and sustainable success. Our most recent experience tells us that we can never rely on imports to feed a growing population. If we are to secure adequate rice production for future generations, the country must be less vulnerable and never at the mercy of foreign rice suppliers. A rice trader in Stop the bleeding Not only can we help ease the building pressure on global rice prices by working on self-sufficiency, it would also help in keeping a balanced fiscal budget. There is something illogical in the government's policy of importing rice at higher prices, only to be sold at subsidized prices by the National Food Authority, which is the sole government body tasked to import rice. This not only goes against the basic tenets of prudent economics, but leads to more bleeding of the government's already emaciated coffers. But of course, a few billion pesos lost in the transaction would seem a pittance if done to protect the crown. As our traditional rice suppliers close their national gates to rice export in an attempt to mend their own domestic supply worries, our government will find itself in deeper shit. Living in an era of high oil prices is pushing inflation figures to dangerous levels. It is imperative that rice prices are kept within reach of consumers if inflation is to be held in check. In February, inflation had risen to a 16-month high of 5.4 percent, higher than government's full-year target of between 3 and 5 percent. With rice taking a significant share in the consumer and food basket, sharp spikes will easily set off higher inflation. And this only opens the door to a dangerous path. At its current precarious perch, the current administration knows well enough that keeping a steady supply and tamping rice prices within affordable levels to assuage anxious consumers is a priority. Indeed, how this explosive issue is managed could be tougher than a thousand corruption exposes. Collegiate basketball scenery Those interested in watching collegiate basketball are getting their dose of excitement and thrills with the ongoing “March Madness” games of the USA NCAA championship (aired over Basketball TV of Solar). Upsets and last-second come-from-behind wins have so far marked recent games, with three more rounds to go on this knock-out tournament before the Final Four. As one of the coaches of surviving teams remarked, “March Madness is one of the greatest games on earth.” On the local front, the collegiate basketball scenery is starting to pick up as teams prepare for the season. The first big event on tap is the FilOil Flying V pre-tournament games slated to start on Apart from giving teams first taste of competition for the coming season, games in the FilOil Flying V pre-season tournament are important because the teams' performances in this invitational league will count heavily in determining rankings and qualifications for the 2008 Philippine Collegiate Championship games. Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25th Floor, 139 Corporate Center,
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