CITY OF MATI, Davao Oriental, Philippines — From 42 percent rice-sufficiency when she started in office, Gov. Corazon Malanyaon has happily reported that the province is now 60 percent rice-sufficient, adding that she will not rest until the province reaches its goal of rice self-sufficiency.

Malanyaon spoke in an interview with the diocesan radio station, DXHM-AM.

“I am again, reiterating my call to all the farmers in the province to plant rice so we can achieve our goal. We will see to it that we will not experience rice shortage,” she said.

The governor said by ensuring sufficient supply of rice, the province can be sure that it will no longer rely on other rice producers for its consumption, and that the province can benefit from its own products.

To realize its goal of rice self-sufficiency, the provincial government is looking into other areas for rice production, aside from the municipalities of Lupon and Banaybanay, known as the rice basket of the province.