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Advocates Philippines
P20 Rice Still Feasible - Department Of Agriculture
Photo credit: Department of Agriculture
In his bid to fulfill a campaign promise, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. continues to push for a significant reduction in the price of rice to P20.00 per kilo. Despite the current challenges faced by the Philippines in rice production, the Department of Agriculture (DA) remains optimistic that this target is still achievable.
DA Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla addressed the issue during a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, emphasizing that the P20.00 per kilo price of rice can be realized once the country reaches sufficient levels of rice production. Sombilla stated, "In the long run, kapag talagang gumanda ang ating productivity, and that is what DA is really aiming for, the government is aiming for."
She further elaborated that the price of rice in the market would decrease notably when the Philippines overcomes the challenges posed by increasing fertilizer and fuel costs, the looming impact of the El Niño phenomenon, and other weather disturbances.
Acknowledging the importance of collective effort, Sombilla stressed the need for the public's cooperation to achieve the administration's goal of lowering rice prices in the market. She stated, "But you know, over the long run, if we were able to … increase our productivity, I think, you know, it's achievable. We can achieve that. And of course, tulong-tulong talaga para 'pag-achieve n'yan."
It is worth noting that President Marcos also holds the concurrent position of Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, demonstrating the administration's personal commitment to addressing the issue of rice affordability for the Filipino people.
While challenges remain, the government's resolve and commitment, coupled with increased productivity and public support, provide hope that the target of P20.00 per kilo of rice is still within reach.
DA Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla addressed the issue during a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, emphasizing that the P20.00 per kilo price of rice can be realized once the country reaches sufficient levels of rice production. Sombilla stated, "In the long run, kapag talagang gumanda ang ating productivity, and that is what DA is really aiming for, the government is aiming for."
She further elaborated that the price of rice in the market would decrease notably when the Philippines overcomes the challenges posed by increasing fertilizer and fuel costs, the looming impact of the El Niño phenomenon, and other weather disturbances.
Acknowledging the importance of collective effort, Sombilla stressed the need for the public's cooperation to achieve the administration's goal of lowering rice prices in the market. She stated, "But you know, over the long run, if we were able to … increase our productivity, I think, you know, it's achievable. We can achieve that. And of course, tulong-tulong talaga para 'pag-achieve n'yan."
It is worth noting that President Marcos also holds the concurrent position of Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, demonstrating the administration's personal commitment to addressing the issue of rice affordability for the Filipino people.
While challenges remain, the government's resolve and commitment, coupled with increased productivity and public support, provide hope that the target of P20.00 per kilo of rice is still within reach.
Aug 2, 2023
