PROF JAY
Good morning! Today, we will do role-play to explore a
realistic situation by interacting with your classmates. We are now a crisis
management team and I am your crisis manager. Our task is to resolve the
present rice crisis buffeting our nation. Let’s start the ball rolling by
assessing the situation. Anyone who wants to break the ice? Yes, Matt, may we
hear from you?
MATT
I think we all know that the rice crisis is a complex
and multifaceted issue that has various causes and consequences. Some of the
main factors that contribute to the crisis are climate change, population
growth, trade policies, infrastructure and logistics, and socio-economic
factors. These factors affect the production, distribution, and consumption of
rice in different ways and levels.
PROF JAY
How do the factors that Matt mentioned affect the rice
crisis? Yes, Pete.
PETE
Climate change can damage rice crops and reduce
yields. Population growth can increase the demand for rice. Trade policies can
affect the quantity, price, and quality of imported rice. Infrastructure and
logistics can affect the efficiency and quality of the rice value chain.
Socio-economic factors can affect the food security and nutrition of millions
of Filipinos who depend on rice as their staple food.
PROF JAY
Matt, and Pete, that’s a comprehensive overview. I
agree that these are some of the main factors that we need to consider in our
crisis management plan. Any other comments or questions on this? Yes, Tom, please
go ahead.
TOM
Sir, how do we measure the impact of these factors on
the rice crisis? Are there data or statistics that can support that analysis?
PROF JAY
Yes, Simon. Your thoughts, please.
SIMON
The climate change impacts on agriculture are expected
to cause an annual GDP loss of up to 2.2 percent by 2100 according to the US Agency
for International Development. The Philippines has one of the fastest-growing
populations in the world, with over 117 million people in 2023. The US
Department of Agriculture has estimated that the Philippine rice consumption
will increase to 16.5 million metric tons for the 2023-2024 period. According
to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the average Filipino consumes about 119
kilos of rice per year.
PROF JAY
That being the case, the domestic production of rice
is not enough to meet such demand leading to a supply gap and dependence on
imports. That’s very impressive and informative, Simon. I think we have a good understanding
of the situation now. Let’s move on to the next step: defining our objectives.
What are we trying to achieve with our crisis management plan? What are our
desired outcomes and impacts? Any suggestions or ideas? Yes, Mary, please share
your thoughts.
MARY
I think one of our main objectives is to ensure food
security and nutrition for all Filipinos. We want to make sure that everyone
has access to sufficient, safe, nutritious, and affordable food at all times.
We also want to protect and support the local rice farmers who are vital to our
food system and economy. We want to help them increase their income and productivity
by providing them with adequate resources and services.
PROF JAY
That’s insightful, Mary. Yes, John.
JOHN
One objective is to stabilize and lower rice prices by
increasing the supply and reducing the demand for rice. We want to make rice
more affordable for consumers and less costly for traders and retailers. We also
want to reduce our dependence on rice imports by increasing the domestic
production. We want to enhance self-reliance and
resilience in terms of food security.
PROF JAY
That’s incisive, John. Yes, Beth.
BETH
Another objective is to promote sustainable and
resilient rice farming by adopting environmentally friendly practices and
technologies that can mitigate and adapt to climate change. We want to conserve
our natural resources and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions from rice cultivation.
PROF JAY
Thank you, Beth. That puts the finishing touch on
defining our objectives. I agree that these are some of the main objectives of
our crisis management plan. They are clear and realistic, as well as aligned
with our national goals and priorities, along with the needs and expectations of
our stakeholders. Any other comments or questions? Yes, James.
JAMES
I think our objectives are comprehensive and relevant,
but they are too broad and general. How do we evaluate our progress or success
in achieving these objectives? Do we have any indicators or criteria to help us
track our performance or impact?
PROF JAY
James has a valid point. We do need to have some
indicators or criteria that can help us measure or evaluate our objectives. Any
answer to James’ questions? Yes, Ann.
ANN
One possible indicator is the number or percentage of
people who are food secure or food insecure.
PHIL
The number or percentage of rice farmers who are
supported or protected.
TED
The average price of rice per kilogram.
PAUL
The amount or percentage of water, soil, and energy
that are saved or reduced by rice farming.
PROF JAY
That’s a bunch of enlightening answers, guys. I think
we have a good definition of our objectives now. Let’s move on to the next
step: developing our strategies. How do we achieve our objectives? What are the
best ways or methods to solve our problems and seize our opportunities? Any
proposals or solutions? Yes, Mark.
MARK
I propose to implement a rice subsidy program for
qualified beneficiaries that can provide them with rice coupons or vouchers
that can be redeemed at designated outlets or stores. This can help us ensure
food security and nutrition for all Filipinos, especially the poor and
vulnerable groups who cannot afford high prices.
PROF JAY
Mark, that’s empathetic. Yes, Dave.
DAVE
I propose to allocate a sufficient budget for Rice
Competitiveness Enhancement Fund that can support various programs and projects
that can enhance the competitiveness and productivity of the local farmers. This
can help us support and protect the local rice farmers by providing them with
inputs, equipment, technology, training, credit, and insurance, among others.
PROF JAY
Dave, that’s productive. Yes, Luke.
LUKE
I propose to review and revise the Rice Tariffication
Law and other trade policies that affect the rice sector, taking into account
the interests and concerns of different stakeholders. This can help us increase
the supply and reduce the cost of rice by improving the efficiency and quality
of the rice value chain.
PROF JAY
Luke, that’s analytical. Yes, James.
JAMES
I propose to improve the infrastructure and logistics
for rice production and distribution by investing in irrigation systems,
storage facilities, milling plants, transport networks, and market access. This
can help us increase the supply and reduce the cost of rice by improving the efficiency
and quality of the rice value chain.
PROF JAY
James, that’s pivotal. Yes, Matt.
MATT
I propose to promote the diversification of food
sources and preferences among Filipinos by encouraging them to consume more
local and nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, and eggs,
among others. This can help us reduce the demand and dependence on rice by enhancing
our food security and sustainability.
PROF JAY
Matt, that’s life-changing. Thank you everyone for all
your brilliant ideas. We got through the three steps of crisis management –
assessing the situation, defining the objectives, and developing the
strategies. The remaining two steps – implementing and evaluating – that will
be your homework.
We’ve been too serious during the whole period. Let’s
wrap up our class today with three jokes. Anyone?
PETE
What’s the difference between a crisis and a
catastrophe?
CLASS
What?
PETE
A crisis is when the government messes up; a
catastrophe, when they try to fix it.
PAUL
How do you solve a government crisis?
CLASS
How?
PAUL
You don’t; you just create a new one.
MARY
What’s the difference between a P20 per kilo rice
promise and a pizza?
CLASS
What?
MARY
A pizza can feed a family of four.
PROF JAY
Thank you. They all jazz me up. Good day!
(The school buzzer sounds.)
Content put together in collaboration with Microsoft
Bing AI-powered co-pilot
Head photos courtesy of Getty Images & freepikdotcom
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