Local farmers, fisherfolks reject EO 171 extension
By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT
Farmer and fisherfolk organizations were dismayed over the planned extension of Executive Order No. 171, saying it is killing local food producers.
EO 171 temporarily modified the rates of import duty on various products, primarily food and agriculture products. Issued in May 2021, EO 171 saw the need to temporarily maintain the reduced tariff rates on imported rice and pork products in order to augment the country’s food supply and stabilize the impact of inflationary pressures brought about by the Ukraine-Russia crisis. The directive will expire in 2023.
In a statement, the Integrated Rural Development Foundation (IRDF) said that the reduced import tariff resulted in massive import volumes of food products finding their way into the local markets, thereby displacing local producers while prices of these consumable commodities continue to soar.
IRDF opposed the planned extension of EO 171 for the reason that it did not benefit the buying public but had instead dampened farmgate prices. There is also an urgent need to reorganize the DA bureaucracy, according to the group.
IRDF Executive Director Arze Glipo instead urged for a government policy that he said supports the interests of consumers and producers alike and the promotion of an integrated, progressive and farmer-centered agricultural production system. “Importation per se on non-food commodity products that help mitigate climate change is acceptable, but mindless import liberalization kills local farms and weakens Philippine food security,” said Glipo.
The group called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to make good of his early pronouncements that he will protect local agriculture through various programs and interventions.
The President earlier made pronouncements seemingly opposed to reliance on imports, but the group surmises the economic managers are inclined to continue with import dependence.
Marcos did a surprise move when he assumed the post as DA Secretary “to make it clear to everyone” that he puts high priority to agriculture. With at least six months now as DA Secretary, farmers are still at a loss on what path the country will pursue in terms of trade policy affecting agricultural products.
“We ask the President to broaden and deepen consultations and participative processes with farmers and other primary stakeholders by the DA and other agencies dealing with the agro-fisheries sector. This will contribute better formulation, implementation and monitoring of policies and programs,” the group said.