SENATE President Juan Miguel 'Migz' Zubiri said the need to establish rice production zones is crucial for the Philippines to achieve rice self-sufficiency.

'I have had discussions with the President (Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) about the establishment of rice production zones across the country, with each overseen by a dedicated undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture,' Zubiri said in a speech during the Philconsa (Philippine Constitution Association) Day and Senate Night sponsored by the Manila Overseas Press Club on Tuesday.