Philippines
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Gov't should focus on food security, uplifting agri workers—Bong Go
Gov't should focus on food security, uplifting agri workers—Bong Go
The Department of Agriculture (DA) should strengthen its support for agricultural workers to help ensure food security in the country, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go said.
Go, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, made the statement following the release of a recent Pulse Asia survey which identified assistance to farmers, increased pay for workers, and poverty reduction as urgent national issues.
“Our farmers should be happy, they should be able to earn sufficiently when they sell their products. If they are not happy, a lot of people will suffer, a lot of our people will be affected,” Go said in a recent interview in Antipolo City.
“Government intervention for our farmers should therefore, be strengthened,” he stressed.
Go, oen of the authors of Republic Act No. 11901, which expanded the financing framework for agriculture, fisheries and rural development, also pointed out that the backbone of the country’s food supply is the dedicated agricultural workforce.
Thus, he said, it is important to provide them with adequate support and resources, in recognition of their immense contributions to the country’s food production.
The senator earlier filed Senate Bill No. 2117, which seeks to provide comprehensive crop insurance coverage for agrarian reform beneficiaries, and SB No. 2118 which seeks to enhance insurance coverage and services for farmers to help them mitigate the impact of natural disasters on the agricultural sector.
Moreover, Go emphasized the significance of enhancing competitiveness and protecting domestic farmers and industries following the recent approval of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement.
With increased competition as a result of RCEP, he said the cost of goods should decline, and the Filipino population, particularly those in vulnerable economic circumstances and the agricultural sector, should reap the rewards.
“I encourage fellow public servants to be part of our efforts to help our farmers. Their role in our economy and in providing food for us can never be discounted,” he said.
“Let us support efforts to strengthen our agriculture sector by promoting programs that will respond to their most pressing needs,” added the senator.