AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHTS PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURAL CENTERS

UNCLAS MANILA 000669 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL ECON EAGR EAID RP SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHTS PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURAL CENTERS ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: The Ambassador traveled to Nueva Ecija, a major rice-producing province in Philippines, where she highlighted thriving agricultural projects. Her visit brought special attention to the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the Philippine Carabao Center, both affiliated with the Philippine Department of Agriculture. The Ambassador engaged researchers, farmers, and local political leaders. The trip received broad regional media coverage and also coverage in three national daily papers. END SUMMARY. BACKGROUND: RICE BASKET OF THE PHILIPPINES ¶2. (U) Nueva Ecija is the main rice-growing province in central Luzon. The average Filipino consumes 111 kilograms of rice annually, and the Philippines currently imports 15-20 percent of its rice. Coincidentally, recent national media reports highlight growing concerns about rising rice import prices. Since 2001, about $5.5 million of PL480 Title I proceeds were used to support the Philippine Department of Agriculture's biotechnology program, including many projects being implemented by PhilRice and Philippine Carabao Center. USDA, USAID and Peace Corps currently operate many programs in this province where 37 percent of the population lives below poverty level. SCIENCE CITY OF MUNOZ, HOME OF PET PROJECTS ¶3. (SBU) The Science City of Munoz is a pocket of well-funded institutions created by influential politicians in Manila. Ferdinand Marcos funded PhilRice in 1986. Former President Estrada championed the Philippine Carabao Center when he was an opposition senator. Additionally, Munoz is home to the Farmers' Training Institute, National Seed Center, National Watershed Management Center, Freshwater Aquaculture Center, National Farm Mechanization Center, National Small Ruminants Centers and the Central Luzon State University. Each center has high-level political supporters in Manila. PHILIPPINE RICE RESEARCH INSTITUTE FORTIFIES RICE ¶4. (U) Ambassador Kenney visited the PhilRice for the annual Farmer's Field Day and Rice R&D conference where a record 1,500 participants were present. This three-day event held annually by PhilRice brings together farmers, research and development scientists, and other experts to demonstrate firsthand new and updated techniques that could enhance productivity and sustainability of the rice industry. While none of the biofuel technologies presented is currently economically feasible, many of the hybrid rice varieties show promise for increasing production and reducing malnutrition in the Philippines. This institute recently opened an intellectual property rights office using proceeds from USDA PL480 donations. Many of the distinguished researchers received their educations at US universities through Agricultural-Fulbright, USDA Cochran Fellowship Program, and fellowships from private US foundations. Ambassador delivered the keynote speech for one event, stressing the strong partnership our two countries share on agriculture. PHILIPPINE CARABAO CENTER MATCHING IRREGULAR CHROMOSOME NUMBERS ¶5. (U) The Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) bred the first "improved carabao" (genetically engineered water buffalo) in 2004. 99 percent of carabaos are owned or leased by rural families operating below the poverty line. The program aims to maximize the indigenous water buffalo for milk and meat while continuing their use as draft animals. The ability to earn secondary income from milking a buffalo is often enough to lift a family over the poverty line. This center is breeding Indian and American buffalos with native buffalos, and hopes that many of the new techniques will be useful for breeding cattle and other farm animals worldwide. KENNEY