NEWSFLASH

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FVR URGES SPEEDY RICE RESEARCH TO COMBAT EL NINO

Munoz, Nueva Ecija, April 21, 1998 - President Ramos has ordered that rice research and development be conducted at a faster pace to help ease the food problem in Mindanao caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon.

However, he as quick to assure that the problem was not due to lack of food supply but poverty, since the farmers were not able to plant crops due to El Nino.

President Ramos was in Nueva Ecija, traditional rice granary of the country, to see for himself whether there is adequate supply of the grain. He inspected post-harvest facilities at the Philippine Rice Research Institute.

"I consider my visit here very timely in view of the fact that certain provinces in Mindanao are experiencing a food shortage because of the long dry spell we are having," the president said.

Malacanang has so far released more than P26 million from the President's Social Fund for the purchase of rice and other food supplies to be distributed to the affected areas.

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