12,000 distressed Batangas sugarcane farmers get assistance from Romualdez


House Speaker Martin Romualdez has committed to help some 12,000 sugarcane farm workers from Nasugbu, Batangas who were affected by the closure of Central Azucarera Don Pedro Inc. (CADPI).

Sugarcane, House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Wikipedia, Speaker’s office)

Before this, Romualdez met with and listened to the concerns of some of the distressed sugarcane farm workers led by Sugar Folks Unity for Genuine Agricultural Reform Spokesman Christian Bearo, Pagkakaisa ng mga Manggagawang Bukid sa Tubuhan (Pamatu) Batangas First District President Nasiancino “Sonny” Roxas, and others, at the his office in the House of Representatives.

The House leader recognized and expressed appreciation for the important role that farmers play in the country, stressing that their welfare will help ensure the country’s food security.

“Kailangan nating mapabuti ang kalagayan ng ating mga magsasaka sa tubuhan at matiyak ang sapat na suplay ng asukal (We need to improve the state of our sugarcane farmers and ensure that we have supply of sugar)," said Romualdez, who is Leyte’s 1st district congressman.

"I thank our farmers for working tirelessly for our nation,” he added, noting that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has been working very hard to ensure the country's food security by ramping up agricultural production.

Romualdez further thanked the farmers for their “dedication in helping the government attain its plan for food security. We are inspired by your great contribution."

The Speaker also phoned Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas and Batangas 1st district Rep. Eric Buhain to discuss possible solutions to the farmers' predicament.