In a move to reinforce food security while respecting indigenous traditions, the Philippine government has pledged support for traditional palay farming in ancestral domains by balancing modern seed technologies with sustainable practices rooted in Indigenous Peoples’ (IPs) culture.
On May 19, 2025, the Department of Agriculture (DA), through its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) Program, and the National Food Authority (NFA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide better market access and production support to IP farmers.
The agreement was signed by 4K Program Director Gilbert V. Baltazar and NFA Administrator Larry R. Lacson, Ph.D., at the NFA headquarters in Quezon City.
The partnership aims to prioritize the procurement of palay produced in ancestral domains and extend government assistance to increase yield without eroding indigenous practices.
“We don’t want to convert our IP brothers and sisters to lose their identity while we give them technology,” said NFA Administrator Lacson. “The best way to support them is to introduce high-yielding seeds that can boost their harvests while preserving their traditions. Huwag natin masyadong gagalawin ‘yung tradisyon.”
4K Program Director Baltazar said the initiative acknowledges the dignity and role of IPs as critical contributors to the nation’s food security: “Nakita ‘yung kakayahan ng IPs na tumulong sa gobyerno para patatagin ang food supply. Sila ay makikilala at makakabahagi sa pagbuo ng food security ng Pilipinas habang natutulungan din silang maiangat ang kanilang kabuhayan.”
Beyond market access, the DA and NFA will collaborate on developing post-harvest infrastructure such as grain storage systems and training programs tailored for IP farmers. These capacity-building efforts will equip them with skills to reduce post-harvest losses and adapt to climate and market challenges without displacing traditional knowledge.
NFA Administrator Lacson noted the MoU as a vital step toward ensuring IP farmers gain proper access to fair markets and government programs: “Magandang gawain ito na isapapel natin kung ano ang dapat gawin para palakasin ang rice farming ng ating mga kapatid na katutubo.”
