To fortify the local rice sector and streamline agricultural support, the Department of Agriculture (DA) convened for a high-level convergence meeting under the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP) to the Local Government Units (LGUs) of La Union.

The two-day event was held at the J & V Hotel and Resort, Sevilla, on January 22-23, 2026.

The meeting served as a strategic platform to synchronize national rice production goals with local implementation. Key officials in attendance included Ms. Analiza R. Ramos, Chief of the Field Operations Division, and Mr. Juanito S. Malazo, Jr., Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer (APCO) for La Union.

The event focused on featuring comprehensive updates on programs from various attached agencies of the Department of Agriculture. The sessions aimed to equip local agricultural leaders with the latest tools and credit facilities available to farmers.

Key Program Updates included: Irrigation and Infrastructure: Latest developments from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA); Credit and Insurance: Financial support windows from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) and crop protection updates from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC); Research and Training: Technical innovations from PhilRice and extension services spearheaded by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).

Discussions centered on the Transformation of Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) into Cooperatives, supplemented by the scheduling of Pre-Registration Seminars.

Furthermore, the DA emphasized the Clustering and Consolidation Guidelines under the FFCAR (Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System) Enrollment Cluster Development Plan. By aligning the efforts of NIA, PhilRice, and other stakeholders, La Union aims to significantly boost rice productivity and ensure food security for the province throughout 2026.