By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Reinforcing the President’s earlier pronouncements about the progress of chief agricultural interventions put in place for Filipinos, the Department of Agriculture (D.A.) said that measures put in place by the government continue to ensure adequate supply of rice for the citizenry.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. reassured the masses of sufficient stocks of the staple grain, noting a bountiful local palay harvest complemented by availability from major rice exporters like Vietnam and India.
While acknowledging the pressures brought by higher fuel and fertilizer prices, Secretary Tiu-Laurel said that these remain manageable given the actions taken by the government under the direction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The Agriculture chief likewise noted that projections of a 20% decline in palay production represent “worst-case scenarios,” particularly if no interventions are made. With government action already underway, such outcomes are not seen as inevitable.
This, as the agency began prompt interventions to cushion farmers and fisherfolk from the impact of rising fuel prices on their profits and their families—with P10 billion in assistance earmarked for those that bring food to the tables of Filipinos.
An additional P20 billion in farm inputs is also prepared to scale up support if needed, ensuring that agricultural output levels can compensate for cost pressures associated with the current energy emergency.
While such challenges persist, Secretary Tiu-Laurel said that the Philippines remains in a good position on food security as the agency persists in finding ways to keep food accessible and affordable for everyone.
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