A congressman has called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to implement a food security emergency for up to three months only and to prioritize the purchase of rice from local farmers.

While AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee supported the government’s announcement of a food security emergency, he said such a move should only be a short-term solution.

“Maganda ang layunin nitong food security emergency para mapababa ang presyo ng bigas sa merkado. Pero dapat mailatag dito ang malinaw na timeline kung paano matutulungan ang mga lokal na magsasaka (Food security serves a good purpose to lower the price of rice in the market. But we also need to set a timeline on how we can help the local farmers),” he said.

According to Lee, food security emergency would be ineffective "unless the government takes decisive action against cartels and individuals artificially inflating rice prices".

"Kailangan nang may masampolan at maipakulong. Balewala itong mga short-term solution ng gobyerno kung sa huli, namamayagpag pa rin ang mga demonyo at kriminal na pumapatay sa kabuhayan ng ating mga magsasaka (We need to set an example and hold those responsible behind cartels accountable. This short-term solution would be nothing, if in the end, there are still demons and criminals who kill the livelihood of our farmers)," he said.

Lee also said the government must purchase from local farmers to replenish the National Food Authority (NFA)’s buffer stock.

“Kawawa ang ating mga magsasaka kung mas iaasa na naman sa importasyon ang pag-replenish sa mga stock ng bigas. Dapat bilhin ng gobyerno ang palay ng mga lokal na magsasaka sa presyong tiyak ang kanilang kita, para ma-engganyo silang taasan ang produksyon, na magpapababa ng presyo sa merkado (Our local farmers will suffer if the government will depend on imports to replenish our stocks. The government must buy from our farmers at a price that will also give them income, so they will be encouraged to boost their production, and consequently lower the price of rice across the country),” he added.

Seeking reelection, AGRI Party-list has been pushing for the protection of livelihood and more support to farmers, fisherfolk and local food producers whom it considers “food security soldiers” to boost local production, achieve food security and cheaper basic commodities.

The party-list suggested that the DA and NFA must work closely with farmers’ groups, cooperatives, and other stakeholders to effectively address their needs and concerns.

It said “there is a need for comprehensive strategies and long-term solutions that address both supply chain inefficiencies and market manipulations to achieve sustainable food security".