Mindanao’s palay production exhibited a positive overall trend from 2020 to 2024, growing from 4.39 million metric tons (MMT) to 4.71 MMT, driven by increased harvested area and improved yield. While SOCCSKSARGEN remained the top producer, it saw a slight decline, whereas the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) demonstrated the most robust growth. Irrigated palay continued to dominate production, but rainfed palay showed a more significant growth rate. This positive momentum extended into the first quarter of 2025, with a 6.24% increase compared to the same period in 2024, largely fueled by strong performances in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Davao Region. To further enhance food security and agricultural resilience, a key recommendation is the strategic conversion of rainfed areas to irrigated land, which would lead to more stable and higher yields, improved farmer livelihoods, and increased attractiveness for private sector investments in processing and value-adding initiatives..