Senator Francis Pangilinan on Sunday called for a national soil testing program to help address the country’s rice supply challenges and improve long-term food security.
He said rising retail prices, declining output, and pressure on stocks require scientific, data-driven solutions instead of relying heavily on imports.
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“Right now, our rice sufficiency is at 77%,” Pangilinan said, noting healthier soil could increase palay yields from four to six tons per hectare.
Such gains, he added, would help reduce the country’s import requirements.
The senator, who heads the agriculture committee, cited the need to address widespread soil degradation and commended Agusan del Sur Rep. Eddiebong Plaza for pushing soil testing initiatives in the provinces.
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