GUEST COLUMNIST

By DR. WILLIAM S. CO, PCCI CHAIRMAN

The agriculture sector contributes to the economic development and food security of the country. It is primarily a source of livelihood in the rural areas. However, the neglect that it continues to face due to the uneven distribution of resources and attention has worsened the poverty situation in rural areas.

Based on the Philippine Statistics Authority data, farmers and fisherfolks remain the poorest sector in our country. In 2021, fisherfolks had the highest poverty incidence rate at 30.6 percent, significantly higher than the 26.2 percent in 2018. While the farmers are at 30 percent in 2021, a slight decrease from 31.6 percent in 2018. In addition, the current farmers and fisherfolks are in their 60s, and hardly could attract the youth and younger generation to venture into agriculture because it is no longer marketable and attractive to them and they probably see it as something that is not thriving. We should change this mindset. And with the new DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., at the helm, we trust he will focus in improving the state of the farming and fishery sector.

Needless to say, putting a premium on the hard work of our farmers and fisherfolks has been elusive for them and remains to be a challenge to this day. The low productivity, insufficient post-harvest facilities, cost of production, and high-cost of logistics and transport are some of the many issues that continue to persist, making the agriculture sector uncompetitive.

The new DA secretary soon as he assumed the DA post made a pronouncement that he would prioritize improving farm productivity and modernizing the food systems to achieve food security and address poverty.

Three weeks ago, I, together with my colleagues in the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), had an opportunity to meet with the new DA secretary. It was a pleasant and meaningful discussion on his vision and plans for the agriculture sector.

In that meeting, he intimated what his priorities are and how he intends to govern the department. He specifically emphasized on the support of the private sector for him to successfully carry out his plans. He was clear in his agenda. He doesn’t want the country to be reliant on imports rather he would strengthen agri-food exports.

Primary and immediate action plan is to further improve food production and modernizing agri-food systems to achieve food security, which actually forms a significant part in the 2023-2028 Philippine Development Plan.

Secretary Laurel said he would implement his programs by proactively working with the private sector in terms of technology modernization, especially in irrigation and post- harvest facilities; exports expansion, improve logistics to reduce transport costs of farm commodities to the market, eliminate traders’ interventions and push for legislations and remove policies that are antiquated and damaging to business.

He made it clear that private sector support can come in different ways and they are all welcome such as investing in agribusiness ventures, developing value chains with small farmers, providing training and extension services, promoting good agricultural practices, facilitating access to credit and insurance, and advocating for policy reforms and incentives. Collaborating with the government and other stakeholders can improve the competitiveness, sustainability, and inclusiveness of Philippine agriculture, which can help in achieving national goals of food security, poverty reduction, and rural development.

Congratulations, Ka Ernie!

I wish to congratulate my colleague and good friend, Chairman of Alyansa Agrikultura and former Agriculture Undersecretary Ernesto Ordonez for a well- deserved recognition from Secretary Laurel for his “remarkable leadership and dedication. and who has served as an inspiration to all who strive for a more just and equitable society. Ka Ernie is an active officer of the PCCI Agriculture and Fishery Committee, serving as an effective voice for efficient policies for the agriculture sector. His passion and dedication are commendable and worth emulating.

Mabuhay ka, Ka Ernie!

Happy Holidays!

Here’s wishing everyone a blessed Christmas and a prosperous and healthier New Year! May we all thrive and succeed in the year 2024. Cheers!

(Dr. William S. Co is chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and director of the Agriculture and Fishery committee.)