MANILA, Aug. 27 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday underscored the need for reforms in the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) to better protect Filipino farmers and consumers.

This followed the DA's participation in a Senate Committee on Agriculture hearing where it presented proposed amendments to the RTL.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the reforms are critical to shielding the country's rice industry, raising farmers' incomes, and helping them recover from the impact of "unregulated" rice imports.

"This should provide opportunities to lower costs and improve efficiency, which would lead to increased rice production and improved food security," he said, citing "pillars" of RTL reforms.

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