Photo credit: Congress PH

Speaker of the House Faustino G. Dy III is pushing for the passage of the KALINGA Act, a proposed measure aimed at ensuring a continuous food supply and stable logistics to help prevent increases in the prices of basic goods and protect Filipino families.

The bill seeks to address how fuel price hikes directly affect transportation and logistics costs, which often lead to higher prices of food and other essential commodities in the market.

The measure also aims to strengthen supply chain systems to ensure the steady movement of goods and reduce disruptions that could impact food availability and pricing.

A key provision of the proposal is Section 8, which establishes the Essential Goods and Logistics Stabilization Component. This includes support for the transport and distribution of essential goods, buffer stocking, inter-island shipping and logistics, cold chain systems, and priority fuel allocation for food supply chains.

Dy, who represents Isabela—one of the country’s major agricultural provinces—said stabilizing logistics is essential in controlling food inflation, especially during periods of fuel price volatility.

He emphasized that rising fuel costs directly affect transport expenses, which are eventually passed on to consumers through higher prices in the market. Ensuring efficient logistics, he said, is key to keeping prices stable.

Lawmakers are expected to continue deliberations on the KALINGA Act as part of broader efforts to address inflation, food security, and supply chain resilience in the country.