Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has committed to protect the welfare and livelihood of farmers if he is elected president in the May 9 elections.
Domagoso made the statement as he wrapped up Team Isko’s three-day sortie of the Cagayan Valley region and Kalinga province over the weekend.
Speaking before Tabuk City residents who are mostly farmers, the 47-year-old presidential candidate also vowed to go hard against smugglers of rice, garlic, onion and vegetables as this is the primary reason why farmers cannot sell their produce at good prices.
“On top of that, our anti-smuggling campaign for other agricultural products will also be vigorously pursued. When the farmers are protected, including those who grow or take care of their animals, will be reassured that their family will benefit from their agricultural produce,” he assured Kalinga farmers.
Domagoso maintained there should be a balance on everything when it comes to food supply, which ensures the country’s food security.
His commitment to farmers also included bringing down the prices of fertilizers which have recently gone up as some unscrupulous businessmen are reportedly cornering the supply from small traders who are willing to sell them at a slightly higher price.
“I wonder why the price of fertilizer is so high? About a year ago, it was almost P900 to P1,000. Today, P2,500 to P2,600. If we really believe food security is a threat to national security then, we must confront and address this (high prices of fertilizer) in favor of our agriculture sector,” he said.
Protecting the welfare and livelihood of farmers, Domagoso said, also calls for a review of the Rice Tariffication Law which allowed the influx of cheap rice from abroad resulting to lower domestic prices and hurting farmers’ income.
Agriculture is one of the main pillars of Team Isko’s 10-point Bilis Kilos Economic Agenda, Domagoso’s blueprint to accelerate human and economic growth that also includes slashing the excise tax of petroleum products by 50 percent to bring down the prices basic commodities and raise the income of farmers and fisherfolks.
“Food security is very important. During the pandemic we felt that. If food security is the number one threat to national security, then the country and the state must invest in our Filipino farmers. And if we can uplift our farmers’ lives, we will make a massive stride towards eradicating poverty,” Domagoso said.
