By Ram Base
MANILA — The HuntaHan Forum, a platform dedicated to addressing key agricultural issues in the Philippines, recently highlighted a pressing concern: the high cost of rice and the need for sustainable solutions to bring prices down.
Mr. Jimmy Vistar of UNIGROW Biofertilizer passionately addressed the forum, emphasizing the potential of biofertilizers to help achieve President Bongbong Marcos’s goal of reducing rice prices to ₱29 per kilo.
The forum, which attracted notable figures such as Congressman Argel Cabatbat of the Magsasaka Partylist, focused on the current challenges faced by the agriculture sector.
Mr. Vistar expressed concern over the limited effectiveness of biofertilizers, pointing to the stark contrast in budget allocations—only ₱1.8 billion for biofertilizers compared to ₱30 billion for synthetic fertilizers.
This disparity in funding has prompted both Mr. Vistar and Congressman Cabatbat to call on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to reconsider its budget priorities.
They argue that equalizing the allocation for organic fertilizers with that of synthetic fertilizers would not only promote eco-friendly and sustainable farming practices but also support local farmers who are struggling with the rising costs of synthetic fertilizers.
The potential of biofertilizers has been recognized in the Philippines since the enactment of the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 (Republic Act No. 10068).
However, without sufficient funding and support, the industry’s growth remains stunted.
To address this, UNIGROW and the Magsasaka Partylist have joined forces to champion the cause of providing affordable, quality rice to Filipinos—aligning with President Marcos’s commitment to the people.
In a bid to make rice more accessible, UNIGROW and the Magsasaka Partylist are also introducing “rolling stores” in economically depressed areas of Metro Manila and soon in nearby provinces.
These mobile stores aim to deliver affordable rice directly to communities, ensuring that more Filipinos have access to this staple food at lower prices.
The adoption of biofertilizers is not just a step toward sustainable agriculture; it is also a critical component in the government’s efforts to make rice more affordable for the masses.
Supporting initiatives like those from UNIGROW and the Magsasaka Partylist not only helps consumers but also bolsters the livelihoods of local farmers and contributes to the broader economy.
As the call for action grows louder, the DA is urged to reevaluate its budgetary allocations to better support organic farming methods.
By doing so, the government can uphold its promise of providing affordable rice to all Filipinos while fostering a more sustainable agricultural sector.
The partnership between UNIGROW and the Magsasaka Partylist serves as a powerful example of how collaborative efforts can lead to meaningful change in the country’s agriculture industry.
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