The group said that rice traders have no reason to increase the prices of rice even if there is a shortage of supply in the world market or even if the prices increase there. This is because the sacks of rice stocked in the bodegas were already purchased last harvest season—or last year—at a very low price of 12 pesos a kilo.
The administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has been assuring the public that there is no supply shortage of rice. However, it plans to import more than two million metric tons of rice—costing about 59 million pesos—from countries like Thailand, Vietnam and the United States. It also launched programs, through the Department of Agriculture (DA), such as the quick turn-around planting program and the high-breed rice program.
The high-breed rice program uses certified seeds to increase production. Meanwhile, the quick turn-around program uses early maturing seed varieties that will be planted after two regular planting seasons. The government also urged fast food chains to give their customers the option to be served with either a full or half rice to avoid wastage.
A child dozes on her mother’s shoulder while waiting for their turn to buy NFA rice in Agdao public market. (davaotoday.com photo by Barry Ohaylan)
Camayang said there is no rice shortage in Davao. Yet their office already put up 250 outlets of NFA rice distributors or Bigasan ni Gloria sa Palengke in the city alone. NFA also put up Tindahan Natin (our store) in depressed areas as identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in cooperation with the Department of Interior and Local Government. Religious leaders are also distributing NFA rice through the Bigasan sa Parokya.
Malacaang has also lifted the quota on rice importation which allows the private sector to import a maximum of 300, 000 metric tons of rice in a year. It is now finding ways to reduce the tariffs on imported rice.
Gabriela said that such moves are ways to attract private sectors to import bigger volumes of rice. These would result to extreme hunger as prices of rice will definitely surge and local farmers will definitely be affected.
Victorio Advincula, third district councilor, said the government’s agrarian reform program was not properly implemented. He said the government must support the farmers by providing them with seeds, which have become very costly.
Councilor Teresita Maraon said she hopes that Congress will pass a bill that would put a stop to the conversion of rice farms into other uses. She also calls for a ban on rice exportation.
Gabriela also seeks for the immediate implementation of Republic Act 7518, signed in 1992, which imposes controls on the prices of rice. The group also calls on the government to subsidize the seeds, fertilizers and pesticides consumed by rice farmers and to support the pending Genuine Agrarian Reform Bill (House Bill 3059) in Congress to empower the farmers.
“Do we have to wait for rice prices to reach 100 pesos a kilo before Filipinos will finally stand up and deal with this government that has been oppressing and exploiting us?” asked Gaspar. (Marilou M. Aguirre/davaotoday.com)
Food, Poverty
