The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have signed a strategic partnership to strengthen market competition and sustainable development within the rice sector.
PCC chairperson Michael Aguinaldo and IRRI director-general Yvonne Pinto signed a memorandum of agreement to coordinate efforts in research, enforcement and advocacy. The collaboration aims to support inclusive growth and economic resilience by identifying barriers to competition and promoting efficiency across the rice value chain.
Under the agreement, the two organizations will collaborate on capacity building and technical cooperation in rice science and data analytics. The data will be used for market studies and policy development to help the antitrust body enforce the Philippine Competition Act and other related laws.
Aguinaldo said both parties would provide mutual support in project development and resource mobilization.
“This collaboration reflects our common objective of improving outcomes across the rice value chain. By exchanging knowledge, strengthening institutional capacity and supporting joint research and market studies, the PCC and IRRI can better identify barriers to competition, promote efficiency and encourage innovation in the industry,” Aguinaldo said.
