Dr. Frisco M. Malabanan, has more than 20 years of experience in the rice industry in the country. He was designated as the Director of the Ginintuang Masaganang Ani Rice Program and was instrumental in the attainment of 16.82 million metric tons (mt) total national palay production in 2008. In the attainment of the goals and objectives of the GMA Rice Program, Dr. Malabanan led in planning, coordination and implementation of the program activities nationwide. He prepared and allocated efficiently the program’s limited fund based on the identified thrusts and priorities.
Dr. Malabanan is a graduate of the University of the Philippines at Los Baños, Laguna. He took up Agriculture for his Bachelor’s Degree and Agronomy for both his Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy.
He initiated the implementation of the DA-NFA Certified Seeds Procurement and Distribution Program. Under the program, the NFA procures certified palay seeds from the accredited seed growers and distributed them to the farmers in the irrigated and rain-fed areas following the 50:50 scheme (50% farmer’s equity and 50% government subsidy).
He was also key in the launching of the Hybrid Rice Program, paving the way to the development of the hybrid rice seed industry in the country. The continued success of the hybrid rice program depended on the support of the top management, field implementer and the farmers. In line with this, Dr. Malabanan, together with the high-ranking officials of the Department of Agriculture, visited different countries who have succeeded in utilizing the hybrid rice technology. These include China, Vietnam and India.
