Laoag City—With the recent PHP167 million worth of losses in agriculture due to severe tropical storm “Ineng” [Bailu], Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc appealed to the Department of Agriculture (DA) to fund its palay buy-back program.
A brainchild of former Ilocos Norte Governor, now Senator Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos, which started in 2018, the buy-back program is an agreement between the Provincial Government and qualified palay and rice traders and farmers. The agreement states that the provincial government shall buy some of their stocks at fair market value, ensuring the province sufficient rice supply.
Stated in a letter addressed to DA Secretary William D. Dar, Mr. Manotoc wrote “...[W]ith the tarrification and lifting of import restrictions on rice which resulted to decline in its market price, we appeal for funding of our buy-back program to help our local farmers get more from their hard work.”
In a measure to make the food staple more affordable for Filipinos, President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law this February an act that will lift import restrictions on rice. This means that local farmers must compete with international suppliers in lowering their produce’s market price.
Moreover, as part of the provincial government’s initiatives for rural development and the improvement of the quality of life of farmer-beneficiaries, Mr. Manotoc also requested for provision of various agricultural equipment, farm machineries, seeds, as well as improvement of irrigation facilities.
Ms. Marcos agreed: “Malaking bagay ‘yongbuy-back na sinasabi bilang emergency procurement. As we know, bagsak na bagsak ang presyo ng palay bago pa man nag-umpisa ang baha. Sa mga susunod na buwan papasok pa ‘yong main crop ng September atOctober, bababa pa lalo ang presyo, hindi na kakayanin. Nananawagan tayo kayPresident Rodrigo Duterte hindi lang para sa Ilocos Norte na nasalanta ng bagyo pati na rin sa iba pang mga lalawigan.” (Edison Justin B. Deus)