The recent surge in foreigners leasing or purchasing farmlands in rice-producing provinces has raised concerns about the country’s food security. Being the country’s staple food, rice plays a vital role in ensuring our well-being. However, the influx of foreign ownership threatens this delicate balance.
If the situation persists, there is certainly a far-reaching impact on the country — not just on food security but in the country's territorial integrity.
For instance, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has disclosed that foreigners are actively leasing and buying parcels of land in rice-producing provinces, including Nueva Ecija, and in Palawan near the contested West Philippine Sea.
While local farmers may initially benefit from renting out their land, the long-term consequences are worrisome. Foreigners could control what crops to plant and manipulate produce prices, potentially impacting food security. If foreign owners monopolize agricultural land, the dream of reducing rice prices — central to President Marcos’ campaign — may remain unattainable.
Besides, Article XII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution restricts private land ownership to Filipino citizens or to corporations with at least 60 percent Filipino ownership.
This constitutional safeguard aims to protect national patrimony and prevent undue foreign influence over critical resources like farmlands .
If PAOCC reports are accurate, the push to amend economic provisions of the Constitution, including allowing foreigners to own properties, must be carefully evaluated — the pros and cons must be conscientiously weighed.
While economic reforms are essential for growth, they should not compromise food security. The state should be wary of the creeping invasion of our farmlands by foreigners. Besides being unconstitutional, this poses a threat to food security and territorial integrity.
This is why striking a balance between attracting foreign investment and safeguarding national interests is crucial.
The PAOCC is taking the right step. It is already investigating these reports. Crucial here is the coordination between the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in finding out how some farmlands were acquired by foreigners despite the constitutional prohibition.
Transparent policies and monitoring mechanisms can help regulate foreign land ownership without jeopardizing food security.
With this development, the government faces a delicate and crucial task: promoting economic growth while safeguarding food sovereignty and territorial integrity. Striking the right balance requires careful and thoughtful legislation, rigorous enforcement, and a commitment to the well-being of Filipinos.
Filipino first must be the prevailing policy.