Simple Life Matters

PHL exports 35 tons of aromatic, black rice to Dubai. With rice self-sufficiency in sight, the Philippines after 40 years will once again export rice, initially comprising of 35 metric tons (MT) of aromatic, long-grain, and organic black rice bound for Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Secretary of Agriculture Proceso J. Alcala, who led the ceremonial send-off at the Manila Harbor Center yesterday (May 6, 2013), said the event is historic as it ushers in a new era in the country’s rice industry and the agriculture sector, in general. “Ang okasyong ito ay makasaysayan at patunay lamang na kayang-kaya ng ating mga magsasaka ng makaani at maka-export ng kalidad na bigas patungong ibang bansa [This occasion is historic and indeed proves that Filipino farmers can produce and export quality rice to other countries],” Secretary Alcala said. As the country is set to achieve rice sufficiency by end of this year, he said it is prudent to start eyeing the export market, particularly f...