PH, Cambodia discuss rice supply amid El Niño threat

(INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE)

MANILA, Philippines — The meeting between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will ensure a sufficient rice supply for the country even with the El Niño phenomenon’s possible effects, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Monday.

In a statement, Romualdez said that the two leaders discussed several topics that would eventually enhance trade and investment between the two countries — including mutually boosting rice trade and tourism.

 The meeting between Marcos and Manet happened on the sidelines of the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’ invitation for a special summit to commemorate 50 years of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) – Australia relations.

“By diversifying our sources of rice importation and strengthening partnerships with fellow ASEAN member states like Cambodia, we can mitigate the adverse effects of external factors such as climate change-induced phenomena like El Niño,” Romualdez, who is with Marcos in Australia, said.

 “While we are making significant strides towards achieving rice self-sufficiency, prudence dictates that we should provide contingency measures to ensure people would have adequate rice supply at the best possible price if our local production falls short of expectation,” he added.

Romualdez said that while the Department of Agriculture has assured the administration that the country has enough supply of grains for the first half of 2024, prices may go up due to the possible effects of El Niño.

Rice from Cambodia may address price concerns according to Romualdez.

“Cambodia has long been recognized for its expertise in rice cultivation and production, and its willingness to support the Philippines in addressing its rice supply concerns is deeply appreciated,” Romualdez said.