Assist local farmers, Go presses gov't
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go pressed the government on Saturday, Feb. 11 to assist local farmers and producers amid rising inflation and smuggling-related issues that had been burdening the agriculture sector.
In an ambush interview after personally aiding fire victims in Quezon City, Go said government programs should ensure that local farmers and producers maintain their competitiveness and stabilize their output.
“We need more government support for our local producers, itong (these) local farmers. Target po natin na mas maging competitive po ang ating local producers, maging stable po ang production nila (Our target is to make farmers competitive and stable in their production),” he said.
Go noted that the ordinary Filipino is most impacted by the issue of rising prices and supporting the local agricultural sector would be helpful each time said problem arises.
Inflation in the country climbed to 8.7 percent in January 2023 according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), up from 8.1 percent in December 2022.
The most recent report noted that the increase was mostly driven by quicker rises in rent, water, energy, and food costs.
According to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the government's main priority for reducing prices include increasing agricultural production, expanding the food supply, and ensuring energy security.
In addition to other potential solutions, Go has proposed the possibility of providing subsidies to local farmers and agricultural producers as a way to support their sector.
During the interview, Go also supported the approach of cutting out middlemen to increase farmer revenue.
However, he recognized that having middlemen might be unavoidable in the sector due to the additional services needed in the supply chain.
Go also underlined the significance of putting a stop to agricultural smuggling, which has a severe impact on farmers' livelihood, urging the government to prosecute smugglers.
He said he has been constantly pushing for greater agricultural support systems and infrastructure, citing the critical role that farmers play in securing food security.
Go is one of the authors of the measure that became Republic Act (RA) No. 11901, expanding the agriculture, fisheries, and rural development financing system.