Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre on Monday called for the immediate development and implementation of a comprehensive Food Resilience Plan to protect local food production and ensure stability in supply and prices amid the fuel crisis.
In a statement, Acidre said the ongoing fuel crisis is not just a transportation and energy problem, but also a food security issue that directly affects farmers and fishers.
“As fuel prices continue to rise, so do the costs of farming and fishing. Many farmers and fishers are now struggling to continue operations. When production slows down, the impact is immediate and far-reaching: reduced supply, higher food prices, and increased vulnerability for Filipino families,” he said.
“If we do not act decisively, this fuel crisis can become a food crisis,” he warned.
Acidre said part of the comprehensive Food Resilience Plan include providing targeted fuel assistance to farmers and fishers to help lower their production costs and sustain their operations.
The government, he said, also needs to accelerate investments in alternative energy solutions for agriculture and fisheries, including solar-powered irrigation and energy-efficient technologies, to reduce long-term dependence on volatile fuel prices.
He also urged the Department of Agriculture to improve access to inputs, credit, post-harvest facilities and efficient farm-to-market linkages to strengthen local food production.
Acidre likewise called on the government to build and maintain strategic food reserves and enhance logistics systems to ensure that supply chains remain stable even during external shocks; and ensure strong coordination between energy, agriculture and economic agencies so that government response is unified, responsive, and focused on protecting both producers and consumers.
“The fuel crisis has made one thing clear: when fuel prices rise, food security is at risk. We cannot afford to overlook the needs of our farmers and fishermen,” he said. (PNA)