COTABATO CITY – The Tao Food Company, led by Chairman Julio Sy, Sr., met with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform key officials headed by Minister Mohammad S. Yacob, Ph.D., to discuss the potential partnership on the Rice to Rise Program on March 7, 2024, held at MAFAR Conference Room, Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City.
In his message, Minister Yacob expresses gratitude to the delegates from Tao Food Company for recognizing the MAFAR as one of the growing ministries in BARMM and one of the potential partners for the project.
Chairman Julio Sy, Sr. of the Tao Food Company, thanked Minister Yacob for showing interest in the Program for the betterment of the Bangsamoro People, stating, “This is the best place where we realize our dream.”
During the meeting, the Tao Food Company introduced the Rice to Rise Program by adapting the Hatao Dinorado Hybrid Rice Seed (NSIC Rc490H). According to the Tao Food Company, this all-season variety boasts a maximum potential yield of 11.9t/ha or 238 caravans, with a high milling recovery rate of 70.7%. It is classified as Premium Rice, and it is known for its excellent eating quality.
The proposed collaboration between Tao Food Company and MAFAR aims to position the hybrid rice industry as a key driver of BARMM’s economic growth and prosperity.
Through the adoption of the Hatao Dinorado Hybrid Rice Seed, the Program envisions with several key objectives: to improve farmers’ productivity and profitability, enhance access to financing, integrate farming practices and technology in the areas of production, Post-Harvest and Processing, access to economical source of inputs; access to fair market, and create income opportunities to BARMM and key stakeholders while maintaining availability and affordability to the consumers.
By providing farmers access to high-yielding rice varieties, ensuring farmers receive equitable prices for their produce, and strengthening the agricultural value chain, the Program will generate income opportunities for BARMM and its key stakeholders.
Joining the meeting were MP Mohammad Kelly Antao, key officials of MAFAR and the delegates from Tao Food Company, including President Atty. Laura Love Gevarra, Business Unit Head Atty. Joseph Arlan Fajardo, Marketing Manager Jane Camille Almasin, and other company officials.
