This is in reaction to your published article entitled "WTO allows RP to keep restrictions on rice imports" (PDI, February 22, 2007).

We join our small farmers, NGOs and other rice stakeholders in congratulating our government negotiators for clinching the rice QR (quantitative restriction) extension. The extension of the rice QR, gives us the flexibility to continue protecting the rice sector up to the year 2012.

We would like to specifically acknowledge former NFA Administrator Gregorio Tan, Jr., who headed the negotiating panel and agriculture Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Segfredo Serrano who were instrumental in the successful conclusion of the negotiations. Their unwavering commitment to national interest and their readiness to listen to stakeholders should serve as a model for all Philippine trade negotiators.

The WTO extension of the rice QR is a victory for the entire country but especially for small rice farmers who waged an uphill struggle to keep the rice QR. They did this in the face of mounting domestic and international pressures to liberalize an industry that provides livelihood for 3 million farmers and food for 80 percent of the country's population.

However, this does not mean that we can rest on our laurels. Securing the extension of the rice QR is not enough. We should remember that government failed to take advantage of the previous QR implementation period to provide the support needed to modernize the sector. Had government provided the requisite support services to our rice farmers, extending the QRs would not have been necessary in the first place.

In our rapidly globalizing world, the only genuine protection is to ensure the rice sector's competitiveness. Thus, government would do well to pour massive investments into an integrated competitiveness enhancement and self-sufficiency program. This was in fact mandated by the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA). The AFMA was enacted in response to pressures brought about by rapid agricultural liberalization. Unfortunately, in its six years in power, the present administration virtually abandoned the AFMA killing any chance of.

Let us not delude ourselves into believing that our work is done. Securing the QR is only the first step. More will have to be taken in the coming years to ensure that this victory does not turn into just another wasted opportunity.

Sgd. Omi C. Royandoyan
Executive Director
Centro Saka, Inc.