By Kenneth Marcos 
In the rice fields of Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija, farmers begin their day before sunrise, tending the same land that has fed their families for generations. For many years, their biggest worry was not the harvest itself but whether they could sell their rice at a fair price. Today, that fear is fading as demand for their malagkit rice continues to grow.
Members of the Rice Business Innovations System (RiceBIS) communities once struggled to find regular buyers. But according to Vic T. Octaviano, chairman of the Zaragoza People’s Agriculture Cooperative (ZpagCo), the situation has changed dramatically. “Noon, problema namin kung saan ibebenta. Ngayon, problema na namin kung paano masusuplayan ang napakaraming orders,” he said, noting the steady increase in clients seeking quality malagkit.
Since April 2025, ZpagCo has been supplying malagkit rice to well-known kakanin producers such as Betty’s Native Cakes and San Vicente’s Homemade Kakanin. These long-standing partnerships have helped the cooperative sell 19 tons of malagkit rice worth almost one million pesos, a significant boost for local farmers who rely on rice sales to support their families.
The cooperative uses NSIC Rc 31SR, also known as Malagkit 6, developed by PhilRice. Farmers report yields of up to 5 tons per hectare, making the variety both profitable and reliable. Higher yields have allowed the cooperative to meet growing demand while improving the income of more than 29,000 RiceBIS members and partner farmers.
The success of ZpagCo highlights the importance of organized farming communities. By working together, farmers can negotiate better prices, secure consistent buyers, and gain access to technical support that improves production. Programs like RiceBIS aim to connect farmers directly with markets, reducing uncertainty and ensuring fairer returns for their hard work.
As demand for malagkit rice increases, the cooperative hopes to expand its capacity and assist more farmers in adopting high-quality varieties and improved farming practices. For many in Zaragoza, the shift from worrying about buyers to managing bulk orders is a welcome change—and a sign that stronger market links can transform rural livelihoods.
The story of ZpagCo is a reminder that when farmers receive the support they need, communities grow with them. Their progress brings hope to other rice-producing areas looking for sustainable ways to improve income and secure long-term markets.
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