The Citizen On Mars :: Rice and Fall :: April

ABOUT THIS SITE

The Citizen On Mars is by P.B. Masdal. Blogging on Philippine Politics, Global Issues, Finance, Economics, Environmental Concerns, Social Matters, Web Designs and Personal Lives. Writing from Zamboanga City, Philippines.

April 3, 2008

Rice and Fall

By P.B. Masdal |

Posted In : Philippine Politics, Current Events

The rice shortage that the country is experiencing at present makes us the world’s largest importer of rice—- at over 2 million metric tons each year. Now at least, we can say that we are keenest in the world at certain something aside from being the most corrupt.

After signing a deal with Vietnam, the government is still negotiating with Thailand for an additional horde in the coming days, proving altogether that indeed, the rice shortage we have right now is too real for comfort.

According to Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, the present rice supply that the government has, through the National Food Authority, would last 57 days. I don’t know if that figure is healthy or not, 57 days is just days, what if in the 58th day there’d be no rice, then that’ll mean mayhem and turbulence in our streets of the meanest kind, much worse than in Indonesia or in Egypt where the military there had to stop militarizing and make bread just to put up with low bread supply and high bread demand among the Egyptians.

If on the 58th day, there’d be no enough rice within our reach, then I think the rice shortage would be far more malevolent cause for pulling down the government than the ZTE Controversy and Hello Garci hullabaloo combined, as people would surely packed the streets and demand an ouster, heads would roll for certain.

The government should do something drastically. I couldn’t believe that someone who look so smart or speak so eloquently such as Mr. Arthur Yap heads our Agriculture Department and yet the present rice shortage becomes like a menace that just came out of nowhere, like a miracle, or a flash of lightning and Mr. Yap says, “What was that?” He couldn’t be that naïve I am pretty sure.

Aside from all the patent reasons, like palay lands being converted to malls in tens or hundreds of hectares each year, the youth in the rural areas becoming nurses or call center agents rather than being rice farmers, low selling prices for the rice farmers, even the ever increasing scarcity of rainfall (due to climate change)—-the government should look inwardly towards its own turf. The National Food Authority should reinvigorate itself and clean up some of its mess and help straighten out the kinks in the rice supply chain, to not allow cheap smuggled rice to flood the market, or otherwise local rice traders would have less notion to put up stores for the golden grains and close shop instead. And of course, hoarding among our suppliers is a perennial problem.

And perhaps, Mr. Yap should seek some sort of regulations or legislation curtailing or minimizing the conversion of huge palay lands into malls or factories. In other countries, they prohibit excessive construction of golf locations as it consumes water in a very gargantuan manner, harming the environment in the process. I am sure we could do that here concerning our rice farms becoming malls.

60 Comments »

barrycade says; April 3, 2008 @ 5:56 pm

i’m not certain if i heard the news right the other night: Sec. Yap was suggesting to restaurants and fast food chains to offer half-cup of rice. the idea sounds good initially, but on second thought, it’s quite imbecilic. now i don’t wonder why we are in this mess.
Major Tom says; April 3, 2008 @ 9:58 pm

To barrycade: I couldn’t agree more on this bro. What’s the chicken without rice. But hey, a better suggestion would have to offer mashed potato as viand substitute or even cassava. But still remains, we ain’t got enough potatoes here or kamotes to feed the whole nation.
annamanila says; April 4, 2008 @ 5:28 pm

We are also tops in being in an ironical situation. Top rice importer, the Philippines—where the IRRI was based for years, where all the rice farming technicians trained; where the most best varieties of rice were bred. haha
bw says; April 4, 2008 @ 10:14 pm

Calling for restaurants to serve less rice is to me the most harebrained, moronic, ding-a-ling suggestion I ever heard from a person of a cabinet minister stature

Perhaps the minister will be pleased to know that I only eat rice in the evening, around maybe 3 to 4 tablespoons. Maybe I should move back to Pinas now

We can blame our unrealistic dreams like everyone wants to get into showbiz, the lack of farmers to till the land blah, blah but the ultimate reason for this shortage happening is plain and simple mismanagement, the lack of proper agricultural programs – translated, a totally inefficient and inert agriculture ministry
Gypsy says; April 6, 2008 @ 6:13 am

Agree ako with Anna—ironic and sad, sad sad. It seems like everything is going downhill in our country…starting with our politicians..sigh.
Major Tom says; April 6, 2008 @ 9:54 am

To annamanila: Oh, that too. I should have mentioned that monumental irony here. Thanks to you, madame.
Major Tom says; April 6, 2008 @ 9:57 am

To BW: That’s what I was intending to say bro—mismanagement of the meanest kind. That’s the bottomline. Our burueacrats seem to always lack foresight and innovation despite that they’ve been trained in this or that important school abroad. It’s completely farcical.
Major Tom says; April 6, 2008 @ 9:58 am

To Gypsy: Just when we thought we start to learn from our past mistake, our politicians and bureaucrats remain the same backward selves.
eric aka senor enrique says; April 6, 2008 @ 6:43 pm

I just find this entire rice shortage story too fantastic to be truly believed.
spliceanddice says; April 6, 2008 @ 10:50 pm

Ah, but you know the ploy of this Gloriafied and Garcified regime. Connive and deny. Deny that there’s a rice shortage when anorexic servings of palay stare us right smack in the face. Connive with your alter egos in the departments and strive to do an ad misericordiam so as to cleave the truth into pieces and leave the nation stirred into confusion. Confused to the point that the nation won’t have much time and muscle to collect and compose themselves altogether.

Survival, indeed, has been the name of the game for the luckiest bitch around.
snglguy says; April 6, 2008 @ 11:05 pm

In their haste to pursue industrialization to compete in a free trade environment, our leaders seem to have forgotten, or have missed the fact that this country also needed to be self-sufficient in food production to feed its people. It’s further proof of our dear politicians’ lack of foresight…
Sidney says; April 7, 2008 @ 8:36 am

Mismanagement…farmers could do 3 harvest a year, most do only 2 harvest a year… old techniques, no or slow mechanization…
Why can Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan produce enough rice for their population and produce more than it needs (for export)?
Travel in the provinces and you will understand what is happening… (((
Major Tom says; April 7, 2008 @ 10:34 am

To eric: In fact I could mostly sense entirely artificial (albeit unintentionally) causes for these crisis—-a sabotage mostly.
Major Tom says; April 7, 2008 @ 10:36 am

To spliceanddice: That would be a horrendous thought, the prople we should trust our nation with connives with the enemies of the state.
Major Tom says; April 7, 2008 @ 10:40 am

To sngl: In my mind, the main thrust of industrialization should be hefge with our need for food sufficiency, albeit that in this stage of global trade, it would be hardpress for us not to compete and modernize. I think the governbment just forgot about it, our agricultural sector that now they are shockingly reminded that in fact, we need to till our lands still in order for us to feed the nation. Thailand has industrialized so well but still they could even export rice—-there’s no excuse for our government’s inutility.
Major Tom says; April 7, 2008 @ 10:42 am

To Sidney: Now it reminds me grossly of how dumb our government could be where people up there even wants to spend garguantous amount of money on something gross like the ZTE while we couldn’t even allow our farmers to buy tractors and other modern farming equipments. it’s so insane I say.
spliceanddice says; April 7, 2008 @ 5:06 pm

offtopic: I’ve already added you to my blogroll Major Tom. Please do add me up here, too. Thanks!
Toe says; April 7, 2008 @ 7:48 pm

Pati nga yata dito, magi-import tayo.
Major Tom says; April 7, 2008 @ 8:38 pm

To Spliceanddice: Thanks very much. In fact I had already linked you up hours ago. Kudos and more power.
Major Tom says; April 7, 2008 @ 8:41 pm

To Toe: Yata…the last time I heard was that we bought hoards of rice from Thailand and Vietnam; maybe Cambodia is one good source when the supply becomes low again.
As people begin to age the gods employ corrupting tactics. They ultimately begin to look down on the children and the wisdom they recently understood::: says; April 10, 2008 @ 8:10 am

As people begin to age the gods employ corrupting tactics. They ultimately begin to look down on the children and the wisdom they recently understood:::
They voluntarily turn their back on their opportunity to ascend and instead embrace evil.
It’s not old people who go to heaven. Old people must come back because of the mistakes they’ve made throughout their lives. Children are the ones who have the opportunity to ascend.

Children are discounted by adults in society. The gods corrupt people as they age, use trust-building tactics and soon adults view the children as ignorant, yet to understand the god’s system, and subsequently look down on the children. This is one of the most bitter, painful ironies the gods employ, for people consciously turn their back on and lose their opportunity to ascend::::
Religions teach that old people to go to heaven when they die. They don’t. Old people are reincarnated. It’s the children who go to heaven.
The wisdom the gods impart to children, either through their innocence/purity or religious-based educational pursuits are the gods sharing the truth with their most favored people::::It’s the children whom the gods teach the right way for it is the children who have a chance. For example, they teach children to have faith, for understanding the god’s geographical clues hurts people by illustrating negative things, opening the door for the god’s to employ deceptive tactics.

Old people don’t go to heaven. Old people must come back because of the mistakes they’ve made throughout their lives. It’s the children who have the opportunity to go to “heaven”. They must behave apprioriately, think correctly and be genuinely god-fearing. Their innocence and lack of desensitization ensures they have a real opportunity to achieve this goal.

This is charecteristic of the gods methodology::::The big prize gone early, compelling people to chase something that already has been decided. They sent this clue with boss as well. It is also a clue supporting my claim RW&B’s german is in fact Christianity’s Anti-Christ. Logic also dictates, considering the definition.
The confusion over this multi-dimentional positioning will serve as an effective tactic, eliminating many additional disfavored in the process.
Toe says; April 10, 2008 @ 2:04 pm

Hun Sen banned the export of rice for a few months because of the rising demand and Vietnam’s cut in their exports. But after that, I think that we are indeed going to import from here.
Major Tom says; April 11, 2008 @ 7:19 am

To Toe: Cambodia is a good source of rice. i’ve seen in picture how verdant are the rice farms there.
handbags on sale says; May 11, 2010 @ 9:13 pm

The Coach Handbags in our store that it always coach bags sale with Free Shipping at the same time. Our handbags have the most patterns in most colors and you can always choose one from them. We believe that when you see our
coach handbags for the first sight, you will love all of them .In our
coach outlet store.Our coach outlet handbags are designed to be both fashionable and functional. Made from smooth leather with patent leather trim, the coach bags are actually made to be finished by the top designer in the world, what makes these coach handbags on sales interesting and modern, different from other coach bags outlet . Besides, its high-level handcraft create subtle ruched effect.
ed hardy swimwear uk says; June 12, 2010 @ 11:12 am

Very pleased to be here!
Gucci Shop says; June 25, 2010 @ 2:01 pm

Your aritcle is very helpful for me,good job!
Supra Shoes says; July 11, 2010 @ 3:35 pm

Wow，great content and your blog template is so beautiful. Is this template free or not. If so, would you please share this template? if not, how much does it cost? Thanks a lot!
Christian Louboutin outlet says; July 12, 2010 @ 3:34 pm

Great blog article about this topic, I have been lately in your blog once or twice now. I just wanted to say hi and show my thanks for the information provided.
gucci replica watches says; August 10, 2010 @ 3:59 pm

Highest quality gucci replica watches will to meet your expectation.replica rolex watches are made from the highest quality parts and crafted with such attention to detail.We offer discount price for you. When you order gucci replica watches at our site
iphone case says; August 13, 2010 @ 2:15 pm

The Fundamental Crafts Skills Using IPadiPhone Cases
timberland for you says; August 17, 2010 @ 10:27 am

Tucked away in our timberland for you subconscious is an idyllic vision. We see ourselves on a long trip that timberland 6 inch spans the continent. We are traveling by train. Out timberland hiking boots windows, we drink in the passing scene of cars on nearby highways, of children timberland shoe company waving at a crossing, of cattle grazing on a distant timberland boots hillside, of smoke pouring from a power plant, of row upon row of corn and wheat, of flatlands and timberland wheat shoes valleys, of mountains and rolling classic 3 eye timberland boat hillsides, of city skylines and village halls.But uppermost in our black timberland boots minds is the final destination. On a certain cheap timberland boots day at a certain hour, we will pull into the station. Bands will be playing and flags discount timberland boots waving. Once we get there, so many wonderful timberland winter boots dreams will come true and the pieces of our lives will fit together like a completed jigsaw puzzle. How restlessly we pace the aisles, womens timberland boot the minutes for loitering—waiting, waiting, waiting for the station.But uppermost in our timberland shoes store minds is the final destination. On a certain day at a certain hour, we will pull into the station. Bands will be playing and timberland eye boat flags waving. http://www.timberland4you.co.uk/sitemap.html xy
men air max shoes says; August 19, 2010 @ 11:21 am

Out air max 2009 windows, we drink in the passing scene of cars on nearby highways, of children waving at crossing, of cattle grazing on distant hillside, of smoke pouring from a power plant, of row upon nike air 95 row of corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of mountains and rolling air max 90 hillsides, of city skylines and village halls. But uppermost in our minds is the final destination. LIJ
fake rolex says; August 25, 2010 @ 1:35 pm

Nice airtical, i would like to tell all of my friends about it. By the way, i would like to introduce everyone of you a very nice website, it offers cheap replica rolex paypal for men and women. Such as rolex replica,
rolex replica watch,
replica rolex watch,
fake rolex watch,
fake watches .You can find almost all the replica Rolex series there. They have Latest style and classic style. Though their price
are low,don’t worry about it’s quality.Every detail of replica rolex shows its original marvelous designs and the best imitation
technology. I have bought from them for so many times, and very satisfied with the their goods and service. Come on, choose one you love it.
nike shox says; August 31, 2010 @ 1:42 pm

http://www.sxhgz.com : Jordan Shoes
cheap jerseys says; September 2, 2010 @ 7:23 pm

Great article, I think you covered everything there. . . I would say freelancing is quite hard especially if you are not used to working on your own, can be quite hard to motivate yourself also. . . we all know what it is like to stare at the monitor.
abercrombie and fitch says; September 3, 2010 @ 2:08 pm

christian louboutin world|
Cheap NFL Jerseys says; September 9, 2010 @ 5:39 pm

I was just talking about Replica NFL Jerseys to my friend.
Cheap Football Jerseys says; September 10, 2010 @ 5:48 pm

Nice post.Thank you for taking the time to publish this information very useful! I’m still waiting for some interesting thoughts from your side in your next post thanks…..
royalsneakers says; September 13, 2010 @ 4:59 pm

Thanks for sharing.
Designer handbags says; September 13, 2010 @ 5:37 pm

their Ugg Ultimate Bind outdoors.
charlene says; September 14, 2010 @ 9:10 am

Welcome to our Cheap NFL Jerseys store.
ghd hair straighteners says; September 16, 2010 @ 3:56 pm

Wonderful ghd hair straighteners online sell,
Oakland Athletics Hats says; November 2, 2010 @ 11:15 am

Best new era caps ,new era hats, delicate monster energy hats, magical nfl hats, one industries hats, rockstar energy hats, Red Bull Caps, The Hundreds Hats, Supreme Hats, DC Comics monster energy hats

are in stock now. Our site provide first-class service and reliable quanlity garantee, do not hesitate to shake hands with us and go with the tide as soon as possible!
laser cutting machine says; November 3, 2010 @ 9:05 am

laser cutting machine
cheap new era hats says; November 5, 2010 @ 12:58 pm

Welcome to caps-hat.com website. New era caps, new era hats, red bull hats, monster energy hats, baseball hats wholesale. Free shipping to worldwide.
monster energy hats says; November 17, 2010 @ 9:26 am

We wholesale hats at competitive price,providing a huge range of hats with different brand name,such as coogi hats, polo hats,Jordan hats,famous hats, new era hats,new era hats, etc.You can buy cheap hats. Welcome to visist here
cheap retro jordans says; November 17, 2010 @ 2:52 pm

The National Food Authority should reinvigorate itself and clean up some of its mess and help straighten out the kinks in the rice supply chain, to not allow cheap smuggled rice to flood the market, or otherwise local rice traders would have less notion to put up stores for the golden grains and close shop instead. And of course, hoarding among our suppliers is a perennial problem.
cheap ugg boots says; November 18, 2010 @ 3:19 pm

Welcome to caps-hat.com website. New era caps, new era hats, red bull hats, monster energy hats, baseball hats wholesale. Free shipping to worldwide.
ugg boots says; November 18, 2010 @ 3:19 pm

Welcome to caps-hat.com website. New era caps, new era hats, red bull hats, monster energy hats, baseball hats wholesale. Free shipping to worldwide.
monster energy hats says; November 25, 2010 @ 12:51 pm

Best new era caps ,new era hats, delicate monster energy hats, magical nfl hats, one industries hats, rockstar energy hats, Red Bull Caps, The Hundreds Hats, Supreme Hats, DC Comics red bull hats

are in stock now. Our site provide first-class service and reliable quanlity garantee, do not hesitate to shake hands with us and go with the tide as soon as possible!
high quality charger says; December 7, 2010 @ 10:42 am

Selling digital camera battery charger,Jvc charger,Jvc battery,Jvc battery charger.We warrant that the products sold in our website are 100% brand new and free from defects in material and workmanship – We never sell used or refurbished batteries.
High quality new battery charger says; December 8, 2010 @ 9:01 am

Selling digital camera battery
panasonic battery says; December 8, 2010 @ 10:19 am

I dont know what to say. This blog is fantastic. Thats not really a really huge statement, but its all I could come up with after reading this. You know so much about this subject. So much so that you made me want to learn more about it. Your blog is my stepping stone, my friend. Thanks for the heads up on this subject.
export agent says; December 28, 2010 @ 4:08 pm

This is a very interesting post. Thanks for sharing this article.
GHD Hair Straighteners says; January 14, 2011 @ 4:24 pm

I came to your article from another article and am really interested in this learning about this. , I feel strongly about information and love learning more on this. If possible, as you gain expertise, It is extremely helpful for me. would you mind updating your blog with more information?GHD Hair Straighteners
GHD IV Purple Styler
Cheap GHD Hair Straighteners
peuterey sito ufficiale vendita peuterey 2011 says; September 15, 2011 @ 9:56 am

Se ti piace Peuterey, benvenuto per arrivare al nostro sito web. http://www.peutereyspaccio.com/
jefferson lobo says; October 11, 2011 @ 12:38 pm

First of all I would like to say terrific blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your mind before writing. I have had a difficult time clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out. I truly do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or tips? Cheers!biogetica
air max 90 says; October 20, 2011 @ 7:20 pm

you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for
puma shoes says; October 20, 2011 @ 7:25 pm

New era caps, new era hats, red bull hats
puma shoes says; October 20, 2011 @ 7:30 pm

We see with every eye and we hear

RSS feed for comments on this post.

Line and paragraph breaks automatic, e-mail address never displayed, HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>