rice shortage

News came out this day the world is in rice shortage. The supply of rice has drop, thus the increase in its price. Rice is a common part of the meal for almost all Asians in the world, most especially Fiipinos. Rice is in every meal and with the low supply of these grains, it could only mean one thing- more hungry people everyday.

The Philippines is one of the leading rice-producing countries in the world. In fact, one of its famous landmark is the Banaue Rice Terraces. And one if its popular scenes are farmers planting rice across a wide field with carabaos. Furthermore, the country is home to the world-famous International Rice Research Institute. But why can't the country produce more rice?

It's pathetic and really sad for the Philippines to import rice from the neigboring countries. The rice bastion of Asia is actully importing rice from Thailand and Vietnam. Region 3 or Central Luzon Region is known as the Rice Granary of the Philippines due to its wide farming lands, but now there are less and less of that land in sight. Instead of rice paddies, it has been turned into commercial space, malls, golf courses and residential subdivisions.

Well no one can really blame the developers, after all these malls and golf courses can prove to be profitable and good for tourism. The bad news is...rice has been compromised. Filipinos have to suffer to pay for higher price. And with the shortage of supply, how can average Filipinos consume a healthy meal?

The government must do something about the problem. It may not be a big issue now, but surely it will be if no one does something. Since Luzon is being transformed into a commercial hub, then Mindanao would be a good place to plant those rice. It would also help the people there. One congressman in Mindanao said there are more lands for rice planting in Agusan del Sur. But when asked what he is doing to develop more rice farms. He simply replied that's the problem of the national government not his.

The Agriculture Department said there is no rice crisis yet, but admits there is indeed a low supply of rice. The National Food Authority added there will be more rice this harvest season on summer. Rice problem might not seem as controversial as ZTE deal or Spratlys scandal, but it sure is worthy to be heard. After all, everyone, even from the highest post of the land to the lowest eats rice.