CEO of Goldmine Farm to Market, Orlando Manuntag, a Key Speaker at SS Rice News Network Conference 2024
Manila, Philippines – August 22, 2024 – The prestigious Shangri-La The Fort in Manila was the venue for this year’s SS Rice News Network Conference, a pivotal event in the Philippine rice industry calendar. Co-hosted by SS Rice News and the Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement (PRISM), the conference brought together over 100 participants from all over the country, and key figures to discuss significant changes and challenges in the rice sector. Among the notable speakers was the CEO of Goldmine Farm to Market, Orlando Manuntag, who is also the co-founder of PRISM, who played a crucial role in the panel discussions.
This year’s conference marked a historic milestone for PRISM as it was the organization’s very first collaboration with an international event. It was structured around two primary themes: updates on the global rice market and a deep dive into recent changes within the Philippine market. The discussions were framed by the ongoing shifts in global rice markets and the implications of Executive Order 62, which has introduced significant policy changes in the Philippines.
One of the key topics covered is the changes in the Philippine Rice Market within a Changing Global Market Environment. The conference began with an overview of how global market dynamics are affecting the Philippine rice industry. Participants analyzed the broader international rice market trends, including how shifts in major rice-producing countries like India could impact global rice prices and trade patterns.
Another highlight of the conference is the Executive Order 62 which is mainly about the Reduction of Import Duties and its Impact. A significant portion of the discussion focused on Executive Order 62, which has dramatically reduced the import duties on rice from 35% to 15%. This policy aims to make rice more affordable for consumers and to support local farmers through potential benefits linked to the new pricing structures. The panel, including Manuntag, assessed how these changes could affect both domestic and international markets, considering both the immediate benefits and potential long-term challenges.
The future trajectory of global rice prices and how India’s policies might induce further shifts in the market was also one of the topics discussed during the conference. The panel explored potential scenarios for the global rice market, including price fluctuations and trade dynamics, and how these factors could influence the Philippine rice industry.
Orlando Manuntag, with his extensive experience and leadership in the rice sector, provided valuable insights during the panel sessions. His expertise as both the CEO of Goldmine Farm to Market and a co-founder of PRISM brought a unique perspective to the discussions, particularly on the practical implications of policy changes and the strategies needed for industry stakeholders to thrive.
One of the key highlights of the event was the insightful contribution of PRISM’s co-founder and lead convenor, Ms. Rowena Sadicon whose presence as a speaker underscored PRISM’s growing influence and commitment to advancing the rice industry through innovative and collaborative approaches. Along with the co-founders of PRISM are some notable speakers in the rice industry namely Flordeliza H Bordey, PhD., Deputy Executive Director for Special Concerns on the Implementation of Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund at PhilRice; Huong Phan, Co-Founder of SS Rice News; Rachel Renucci-Tan, President at Chen Yi Agventures Inc.; V Subramanian, Co-Founder of SSResource Media Pte. Ltd.; Elizabeth Vana, President at Nueva Ecija Rice Millers Association (NERMA); and Atty. Halmen Valdez, Corporate Secretary of PRISM.
The SS Rice News Network Conference highlighted crucial issues affecting the rice industry, with leaders like Goldmine Farm to Market’s CEO contributing their expertise, the industry is well-positioned to navigate these transformations and drive forward sustainable growth. The conference also served as an important platform for networking and knowledge sharing among farmers, millers, traders, and other industry participants. By fostering better communication and collaboration, the event aimed to enhance the resilience and efficiency of the Philippine rice supply chain.
PRISM expressed its profound gratitude to all the attendees and, in particular, to SS Rice News Network for providing this remarkable opportunity. The collaboration marked a new chapter for PRISM, opening doors to future international engagements and reinforcing its mission to advance the Philippine rice industry through innovation and cooperation.