Statement of Sen. Francis Pangilinan on proposed industry road map to shift from planting rice to other crops*:
Pwede namang sabay, hindi 'either-or' sa pagtatanim ng palay o pangangalaga ng baboy: Kiko

The government's proposed industry road map to make 23 provinces shift from planting rice to other crops and hog raising should be carefully studied.

According to the road map, 23 non-priority rice provinces would be transitioned to various commodities and industries, such as abaca, banana, cassava, cattle, coconut, high value vegetables, livestock, poultry and rubber.

Pwede namang sabay at hindi isa lang ang pagpipilian. Sa totoo lang, ginagawa na ng mga magpapalay nating may konting sobrang pera. Alam nila na ang konseptong, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket".

Policy makers must be able to understand this concept too, especially in its thrust to strengthen local production for food security and self-sufficiency.

The entry of imported rice should all the more prompt the government to boost the rice farmers' production and well-being.

Hindi kumpleto ang araw ng Pilipino kung walang kanin. Kaya ang tanong: Papano pa tayo kakain ng kanin kung hindi na magtatanim ang ating mga magpapalay?

*https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/10/07/rice-farmers-in-23-provinces-to-plant-other-crops-prir/