date:May 21, 2013
Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, who led the ceremonial send-off at the Manila Harbor Center, said the event is historic as it ushers in a new era in the countrys rice industry and the agriculture sector, in general.
This occasion is historic and indeed proves that Filipino farmers can produce and export quality rice to other countries, Secretary Alcala said.
As the country is set to achieve rice sufficiency by end of this year, he said it is prudent to start eyeing the export market,