RICE COMPOSITE IMAGE from Inquirer file and inventory images
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is working to realize rice self-sufficiency by 2028, in keeping with Home Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Romualdez stated the Division of Agriculture (DA) and the Division of Public Works and Highways (DPWS) have began efforts to realize this objective, together with setting up irrigation programs.
READ: Marcos formalizes rice tariff minimize by way of EO 62
“We’re doing an all-of-government method, so DA, NIA (Nationwide Irrigation Administration), NFA (Nationwide Meals Authority), and the chief and legislative will be part of forces,” he stated on Sunday.
“The DPWH will assemble CIS (Complete Irrigation Methods) interconnected to impound water, in order that there might be flood management and water for the consuming and reservoir,” he added in Filipino.
Leyte’s 1st district consultant stated this transfer would additionally assist the nation not rely on rice importation and decrease the rice costs.
“We also needs to put together a long-term plan to now not be depending on rice imports earlier than he (President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) steps down. Rice self-sufficiency is crucial. So, our rice fields must be extra environment friendly; we’d like irrigation and much more irrigation,” Romualdez added.
Marcos ordered a tariff minimize on rice and different choose merchandise final month. In line with the Palace, Govt Order (EO) No. 62 will minimize the rice levy from 35 p.c to fifteen p.c.
“The implementation of an up to date complete tariff schedule goals to reinforce provide, handle costs, and mood inflationary stress of varied commodities, according to the Philippine nationwide curiosity and the target of safeguarding the buying energy of Filipinos,” Marcos defined in EO 62.
READ: Supreme Court docket requested to nullify EO 62 reducing tariffs on agri merchandise
Agricultural teams, nonetheless, filed a petition asking the Supreme Court docket to nullify EO 62, saying that it was rapidly issued with out session, investigation, and listening to, that are required below Republic Act 10863 or the Versatile Clause of Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Among the many petitioners have been Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura Inc., the Federation of Free Farmers Inc., United Broiler Raisers Assn. 1 Inc., Sorosoro Ibaba Growth Cooperative, and Magsasaka Partylist Rep. Argel Cabatbat.
Your subscription couldn’t be saved. Please attempt once more.
Your subscription has been profitable.
They identified that decreasing tariffs on staple merchandise akin to corn “poses important challenges for native farmers” and “can result in an inflow of cheaper imported items, undermining home producers’ and farmers’ gross sales and merchandise.”
