The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) has appealed anew for cash assistance and production subsidy for farmers and fishers affected by recent typhoons and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The progressive group said farmers are demanding an immediate cash aid of P10,000 for every farmer and fisherfolk family affected by the pandemic, and successive typhoons.
The KMP is also seeking for a P15,000-production subsidy for each farming family, and other necessary support to help farmers and fishers recover from the effects of the pandemic and calamities.
“Very little or almost no help has reached our farmers, fishermen and other poor rural sectors—sectors that create food for the people,” the KMP said in statement Monday, May 17.
The farmers’ group noted that production subsidies are necessary to help farmers start production cycles during planting seasons rice, vegetables, and other agricultural food produce.
“We express our support to House Bills 9089, 9192 and proposals to allocate cash aid for 108-million Filipinos under the P405.6-billion Bayanihan 3 bill,” said KMP chairperson Danilo Ramos.
“We likewise support demands for P100 emergency wage relief, paid pandemic leave, and other forms of economic relief for toiling sectors,” he added.
The group appealed to Congress to consider the proposed bills on providing cash aid, subsidies, and other assistance to Filipinos and to increase funding for health and economic needs.
“We believe many more budget items can be realigned to the more urgent needs of the moment,” the KMP said.
“We urge legislators to fulfill their tasks as guardians of the public purse and ensure budgetary allocations that are truly responsive to our people’s needs,” it added.