In a direct response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive on food security and regional sustainability, the Joint Region 1 and 2 Agricultural Cooperatives Conference on Palay Program convened on August 7, 2025, at the NSCC Plaza in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur. The gathering, attended by cooperative officers and leaders from both regions, brought together key stakeholders to strategize and collaborate on strengthening the rice sector through a cooperative-first approach.
The conference began with an inviting welcome from NSCC Chairperson, Mr. Fidel C. Gines, followed by an opening address by Dr. Divina C. Quemi, the NSCC CEO and SAO President. Dr. Quemi articulated the day’s central objective: to forge a unified front among cooperatives to ensure a stable and sustainable palay program.
Comprehensive Program Overviews and Cooperative Insights
The first half of the program was dedicated to a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape. Ms. Leah Perera Coloma, the Rice focal person for DA Region 1, and Mr. Jaylord Y. Bagasin, the alternate focal person for DA Region 2, delivered detailed “Overview and Situationer” reports on the palay program in their respective regions. Their presentations provided a solid foundation for the ensuing discussions on the challenges and opportunities at the grassroots level.
Providing invaluable cooperative-level perspectives, Ms. Mency Tolentino, Chairperson of the Bacarra Zanjerra MPC in Region 1, and Mr. Arnel Domincel, Chairperson of the Nueva Vizcaya Alay Kapwa MPC in Region 2, shared their insights on the practical hurdles and potential for growth within the palay program.
Key Partner Programs and Support Services
The event also served as a crucial platform for regional line agencies and federations to present their support programs. Ms. Liza Balagot, the acting Regional Manager 2 of the National Food Authority, offered updates on the NFA procurement program, while Jehan Grace Orro-ibe, Focal Person for Ilocos Sur, detailed the ACPC Palay Buying Program. Dr. Mary Ann U. Baradi, Director 1 of PhilRice Research Institute – Batac, Ilocos Norte Branch, provided an update on the Rice Business Innovations System (RiceBis) and other PhilRice initiatives. The cooperative support segment was capped off by Ms. Christie Rowena Plantilla, CEO of the Federation of Peoples Sustainable Development Cooperative, who spoke on the “Palay Program Support from Co-ops.”
A Concluding Vision of Unity
Messages of support and encouragement were delivered by top officials, including Usec Alexander B. Raquepo, CDA Chairperson, Asec Virgilio Lazaga, CDA Head of Agriculture, and Mr. Edilberto G. Unson, CDA R1 Assistant Regional Director. Their words reinforced the government’s commitment to empowering cooperatives in achieving food security.
The day’s discussions were expertly synthesized by Ms. Mary Claudine B. Amoroto, Executive Assistant III from the Office of Asec Lazaga, who provided a clear summary of the key takeaways and actionable next steps. The conference was officially concluded with a message of gratitude from Dr. Divina C. Quemi, who celebrated the spirit of cooperation and the collective vision for a stronger, more sustainable rice industry.
by: EGU
Photo courtesy of NSCC
