Quote Originally Posted by Jun aka Pekto View Post
Why can't the Philippines be more selective and protect a few key products like rice for example?
Actually the Philippines has been protecting its farmers by obtaining a much debated rice import limitation agreement with the WTO. The Philippines imports cheap rice from Vietnam / Pakistan but in return exports premium rice to 1st world countries.

The Philippines is having hard time catching up with its domestic requirements simply because of the surge of storms that have wreaked havoc on our farms not to mention pests. The new hybrid rice that is being used nationwide (and subsidized by the government) have already boosted rice production significantly and would ensure that the Philippines will be rice sufficient come 2012/2013 (which will also be aided by the completion of the new irrigation projects currently being undertaken).