Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 2) — The Senate wants a number of government agencies to buy local rice to support farmers.
Senators on October 2 approved Joint Resolution 8, directing local government units and executive departments to buy local rice for their rice subsidy programs in a bid to help farmers suffering from low palay or unmilled rice prices.
The lawmakers identified the agencies as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of National Defense, Department of Transportation, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
“Latest government statistics for the average palay prices plunged to ₱16.28 per kilogram from ₱23.10 per kilogram for the same period last year, which is the lowest palay price in seven years,” the resolution stated.
It noted that the warehouses of the National Food Authority (NFA), which is tasked to have a constant supply of rice, is currently full. The NFA as of August 22 has more than 209,000 metric tons each of imported and local rice.
The DSWD, through its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, was directed to disburse rice in lieu of its ₱600 per month rice subsidy allowance. The Senate noted that the department still has a ₱6.97-billion balance for rice subsidies.
The Senate added that the government has ₱2.89 billion to spend on rice subsidies for the military and other uniformed personnel.
Farmers groups have complained that the rice tariffication bill, which lifted import restrictions on rice, has led to lower palay prices due to an oversupply in the market.
This has led government to seek ways to stabilize local rice prices, which include proposals to buy from local farmers and to raise tariffs.
READ: Agriculture dep’t to at least double tariffs on imported rice to help local farmers
