President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday assured the public of continued government intervention to stabilize food supply and prices, following disruptions caused by rising fuel costs that have affected the transport of agricultural products.
During his visit to the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) in La Trinidad, Benguet, Marcos highlighted several government measures aimed at easing the burden on farmers when selling their produce.
“Nagulat kami, ‘yung mga report na dahil sa pagtaas ng presyo ng diesel ay hindi na binababa ang mga gulay na galing dito sa Mountain Province, dito sa mga mountainous areas (We were surprised because reports showed that due to the increase in diesel prices, vegetables from the Mountain Province and other mountainous areas are no longer being brought down),” he said.
Marcos noted the removal of toll fees for trucks transporting agricultural commodities, along with the temporary waiver of local government fees, as among the measures undertaken to ease transport costs.
He added that diesel prices were reduced by PHP10 through the government’s fuel subsidy program to help cushion the impact of rising fuel costs on farmers, traders, and transport operators.
He said these interventions aim to ensure a steady flow of supply while preventing sharp increases in food prices amid global challenges, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“Patuloy lang namin ang ginagawa, (We continue to take action),” Marcos said, noting that drivers affected by the situation are being included in the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program to provide temporary employment assistance.
Marcos said the government continues to monitor the situation and engage with market stakeholders to identify further necessary interventions.
“Kaya patuloy ang aming pag-aaral at patuloy ang aming pag-monitor para tiyakin na lahat ay makakaramdam ng tulong ng pamahalaan ngayon sa dinadaan natin na problema at sa krisis na naging bunga ng giyera sa Middle East (That is why our study and monitoring continue, to ensure that everyone feels the government’s support as we go through this problem and the crisis brought about by the war in the Middle East),” he said.
During his visit to BAPTC, Marcos inspected farm inputs and equipment for distribution to the farmer cooperatives and associations under the Department of Agriculture’s High Value Crops Program.
He also visited the Spot Trading Building 2 (Wholesale Area), where post-harvest activities are underway.
He likewise engaged with farmers and key stakeholders in the Cordillera highland vegetable industry. (PNA)