Category: Press Releases

February 1, 2022

Senatorial aspirant Risa Hontiveros affirmed a vision in “Pagtanaw 2050” for Philippines to be one “truly great maritime nation” in light of the country’s archipelagic nature as its most uniquely significant economic asset.

   At the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI)-organized Halalan Para sa Agrikultura 2020 Monday, Hontiveros assured Philippines will have its biggest economic potential in harnessing its marine resources, more than any of its land or capital.

   “I recall advocacies for us to teach our maritime history to our people since our seas are bigger than our lands.  I congratulate you for your ‘Pagtanaw 2050’ as even goes beyond ‘Ambisyon 2040,’ said Hontiveros in Filipino during the agriculture online forum Monday.

   “That can be a legislative input in support of our fishermen at for all Filipinos who have legitimate claim to energy resources in the entire West Philippine Sea.”

   Hontiveros said the Philippines should highlight this distinctive islands-nation feature whether on regional or global stages.

   “This should be known by every Filipino, every student, to internalize such identity, and we should behave, should act such in regional and global stages.”

   The forum led by PCAFI President Danilo V. Fausto was co-organized by Alyansa Agrikultura Convenor Ernesto Ordonez, National Scientist Emil Q. Javier,  Federation of Free Farmers Chairman Leonardo Q. Montemayor, and Rice Watch President Hazel Tanchuling.

   The Pagtanaw 2050 visioning, led by the National Academy of Science and Technology, noted that $3 trillion will be generated from ocean industries based Overseas for Economic  Cooperation and Development forecast.  Javier asserted Pagtanaw 2050’s role in agriculture modernization which will need the establishment of a separate Department of Fisheries. 

   The “Blue Economy” (sustainable ocean-focused) approach to economic prosperity is imperative for the Philippines’ provision of livelihood, food security, and industry raw materials, according to Pagtanaw 2050.

   Investments have to be made on coastal transport, ecotourism, habitat protection, and water use and supply management, among others.

   With 60 million Filipinos living in low-elevation coastal zones, economic opportunities will be on tourism (now with 5.71 million workers), resorts, coastal development, fisheries and aquaculture (1.6 million workers), coastal manufacturing (300,000 workers), ports, shipping, marine transport, ocean energy (with coal now taking up 40% of energy mix), seabed mining for oil, marine biotechnology and medicine, and environmental services. The Filipino protein diet of 40% comes from fisheries, and some 30 million Filipinos depend on it and related industries for livelihood.

   Among emerging industries and technologies from the Blue Economy are bioenergy through algal biofuel production, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, feeds and beverages; multi-trophic aquaculture, and food and medicine.

 “The contribution of ocean-based industries to economic output and employment is very significant.  In 2010, this was valued very conservatively at $1.5 trillion or approximately 2.5% of world gross value added.  Direct full time employment in the ocean economy amounted to around 31 million jobs,” according to Pagtanaw 2050.

   Regarding land reform which has yet to be completed in the Philippines, Hontiveros said that the efforts now to “cluster” lands in order to achieve economies of scale is not opposite to the effort in agrarian reform.    

   Fausto cited studies that the agriculture sector cannot achieve economies of scale due to the fragmentation of land brought by land reform.

   “There should be a win-win solution (land reform versus clustering).  Department of Agrarian Reform has a project called Split funded by World Bank.  Their job on one hand is to break down lands and on the other, to consolidate lands. To achieve economies of scale and lower cost of production, there should be a solution to this for our agriculture production,” Fausto said.

    “Wag po nila gawing problema ng agrikultura yung isang kasing halaga na programa ng repormang agraryo. May win-win solution po talaga kung ikakambal, ituturing nilang magkapatid yung dalawang programang.  May iba’t iba pong modelo iyon,” she said.

   “Yung empowerment ng ating mga agrarian reform beneficiaries, kahit sa unang award sa kanila at kahit pa ipamana na sa kanilang mga anak sa mas maliliit na parcel pero (dapat may ) programa talaga ang ating gobyerno in partnership sa ialng mga private sector (para sa agrikultura),” said Hontiveros.  (Melody Mendoza Aguiba)

January 13, 2022

The proposed Bureau of Cooperative under the Department of Agriculture (DA) will play a pivotal role in consolidating fragmented farm lands to enable Philippines to achieve economies of scale and agro-industrial modernization.

   Senator Richard Gordon said government should promote “cluster” farming or cooperative farming so large scale of land can be consolidated amid the agrarian reform’s land fragmentation.

   “There is strength in number.  Even in foreign policy, treaties are a result of equal bargaining strength.  We should encourage cluster farming or cooperative farming.  They do that in Del Monte,” Gordon said during the Philippines Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc.’s (PCAFI) Halalan 2022 Para sa Agrikultura.

   “If farmers are  disorganized, if you let them by themselves, business will not come in as there are no rules.”

   PCAFI President Danilo V. Fausto, along with Alyansa Agrikultura led by Ernesto Ordonez, and three other farm-based groups,  has been orienting 2022 election candidates on the plight of agriculture. 

   Also proposing recommendations through the online forum are Federation of Free Farmers Chairman Sec. Leonardo Q. Montemayor, National Scientist Dr. Emil Q. Javier, and Rice Watch Chair Hazel Tanchuling.

   In order for agriculture services to be rendered to farmers, such as providing for them cost-efficient farm machineries, their organization is pertinent.

   One of such way to organize farmers is for bigger farm companies to enter into contract growing agreements with small farmers.

    “Contract growing in the private sector will formally integrate small farmers into the supply chain,” said Javier, also chairman of the Coalition for Agricultural Modernization (CAMP).

   Gordon, a senatorial reelection aspirant, said the cooperative will be a way to protect farmers from exploitation of traders and middlemen who exploit farmers by paying the cheapest price.

   He said a law does not need to be enacted for the cooperatives to be put up.  The cooperative system has already been existing among successful groups such as the TADECO (Tagum Agricultural Devt. Co) or among sugar planters.

   Gordon envisions the establishment of industrial parks for agriculture ventures such as the parks in Subic where enterprises enjoy tax incentives in order to flourish.

   “The Department of Agriculture (DA) should create an atmosphere so farmers can sell their production and be supported with the extension.  Private sector can fund the farmers so that farmers have the assurance of a market for their produce,” he said.

   PCAFI and the four farm-based groups have also filed with the candidates the following recommendations:

1. Allocation of at least 10% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) budget for agriculture which is just “fair” considering its GDP contribution of 10%.  At present, the sector just gets 1.5% budget.  Livestock and poultry contributes 27.7% to agriculture while it only gets 5.6% of the budget.  Corn contributes 6.4%, but it only gets 1.7% of DA budget.
2. Tariff collections should be used to develop the corresponding sector—Corn, fisheries, livestock and poultry tariff should be used to develop corn, fisheries, livestock and poultry sectors.
3. The Safeguard Measures Act, Anti Dumping Act, among others, should protect local farmers from unfair competition from imports.
4. National Irrigation Administration should be administered by DA for proper irrigation coordination.
5. The Bureau of Agriculture Cooperatives should be created under DA
6. Local government Units should allocate funds for agriculture extension as part of the proposed Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES) to ensure farmers get direct assistance on technology.
7. Convergence of DA, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Science and Technology to promote food and beverage manufacturing
8. Establishment of agro-industrial hubs and corridors
9. Passage of Land Use Bill to preserve agricultural lands
10. Diversification of agriculture production to invest more in horticultural and industrial crops, poultry, livestock, fisheries
11. Developing biotechnology, food science, automation, digitalization to enhance productivity and competitiveness
12. Regreening, watershed management, and agro-forestry implementation. (Melody Mendoza Aguiba)

January 12, 2021

The Philippines should create more micro farm industries like Antique’s Robusta coffee and ‘patadyong’ weaving products that have their own domestic markets, thereby easing “logistics” problems, House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda said.

   During the “Halalan 2022 Para sa Agrikultura” organized by the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI), Legarda, a senatorial aspirant, said her own province, Antique, hurdled the problems of Covid 19 as Congress supported marketing of local products.

   “We supported agriculture.  We had an amendment on the budget, provided mechanization to farmers and free seeds for palay and high value crops,” she said. 

   The series of agriculture online forum is being conducted by PCAFI led by President Danilo V. Fausto along with Alyansa Agrikultura led by Ernesto Ordonez, Federation of Free Farmers Chairman Sec. Leonardo Q. Montemayor, National Scientist Dr. Emil Q. Javier, and Rice Watch Chairman Hazel Tanchuling.

   While there has been difficulty marketing of agricultural goods since Covid 19 lockdowns hit Philippines in March 2020, it became an opportunity to improve farmers’ production.  

   The Antique government bought tomatoes, leafy vegetables, and melon from farmers. It hauled these via private cars and tricycles, and gave these away during the lockdowns to residents.  These– instead of giving away canned goods.   

   Also, Antique’s coffee received its needed promotion.

   “People don’t know that Antique has Robusta coffee.  I bought more than one ton (1,000 kilos) of coffee.  I arranged for its packaging, wrote its short story, and named it Antique Coffee.  It’s now being sold in online stores and the Echo store.  It’s my Christmas gift for friends,” she said.

   As another important industry for Antique women, the Antique local government also put up a small cotton processing plant in order to support the “patadyong” weaving craft.

   “When we speak of farming, it’s not just food crops.  In my province, we grow cotton so we won’t have to import cotton or we won’t have to use polyester for natural weaves,” said Legarda.

   “I put up a cotton processing facility, manual labor.  We have hand looms provided and cotton threads from our cotton farm.  We do the same thing for abaca.”

   Roberto C. Amores, President of the Philippine Food Processors Inc (Philfoodex) and PCAFI member, said logistics has been a perennial problem in the Philippines.  Cost of inter-island shipping is prohibitively expensive. 

   Industries have been pressing for an amendment of the Cabotage law. Prohibitions against international shipping lines’ entry into the domestic waters are reportedly sending shipping costs to exorbitant levels.

   This is where supporting local products should come in, Legarda said.

   “The logistics issue is a challenge.  But by supporting local and selling and buying locally, then we don’t even have to think of export because our products may be easily consumed even within our islands,” said Legarda. 

   PCAFI and the four farm-based groups have been orienting 2022 election candidates on the state of Philippine agriculture and have filed the following recommendations:

1. Allocation of at least 10% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) budget for agriculture which is just “fair” considering its GDP contribution of 10%.  At present, the sector just gets 1.5% budget.  Livestock and poultry contributes 27.7% to agriculture while it only gets 5.6% of the budget.  Corn contributes 6.4%, but it only gets 1.7% of DA budget.
2. Tariff collections should be used to develop the corresponding sector—Corn, fisheries, livestock and poultry tariff should be used to develop corn, fisheries, livestock and poultry sectors.
3. The Safeguard Measures Act, Anti Dumping Act, among others, should protect local farmers from unfair competition from imports.
4. National Irrigation Administration should be administered by DA for proper irrigation coordination.
5. The Bureau of Agriculture Cooperatives should be created under DA
6. Local government Units should allocate funds for agriculture extension as part of the proposed Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES) to ensure farmers get direct assistance on technology.
7. Convergence of DA, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Science and Technology to promote food and beverage manufacturing
8. Establishment of agro-industrial hubs and corridors
9. Passage of Land Use Bill to preserve agricultural lands
10. Diversification of agriculture production to invest more in horticultural and industrial crops, poultry, livestock, fisheries
11. Developing biotechnology, food science, automation, digitalization to enhance productivity and competitiveness
12. Regreening, watershed management, and agro-forestry implementation. (Melody Mendoza Aguiba)

December 6, 2021

The private sector has pressed government to plow in investments into agriculture sector that drives economic development even as private enterprises pour in the bulk of 95% of investments in agriculture while government only contributes 5% to farm output.

   The Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI) has asked presidential candidates, given their election, to put agriculture sector as a priority investment venue given its significant contribution to the economy.

    That along with its potential to be a springboard for agro-industrial development as agriculture is the natural resource origin of food and beverage and many manufacturing industries.

   PCAFI just held Monday its “Halalan 2022 Para sa Agrikultura” with presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as as a way to engage potential future leaders to adopt PCAFI’s 12-point recommendation.

   “The private sector contributes 95% of the investment in the agriculture sector.  It should be provided with the right environment for people to invest in it. Government contribution to the total agricultural output is less than 5% yearly,” according to PCAFI President Danilo V. Fausto.

   Also proposing recommendations through the online forum are Alyansa Agrikultura Convenor Ernesto Ordonez and Federation of Free Farmers Chairman Leonardo Q. Montemayor.

   After long years of ignoring the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 (AFMA-Republic Act 8435), government should now implement it. 

   The AFMA-mandated Naitonal Information Data System (NIDS) should be put up to provide an accurate data on import, export, demand, supply, and prices of agricultural commodities. Such data is not provided by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

   Creation of the NIDS is critical so that excessive importation of agricultural goods that has been slowly killing the agriculture sector can only be resolved given accurate data.     

   ”Investors and food producers will have an informed business decisions (given this data),” said Fausto.

   Eighty Five percent of the country’s agricultural land is planted with just four crops–rice, corn, banana and coconut.

   Income from these crops traditionally planted on 1 to 2 hectares of land cannot adequately feed a family of five members.

   “Our small farmers can earn more by planting other crops (through intercropping) with greater value like vegetables, legumes, fruits and even ornamentals in rotation with rice and corn. Farm produce can be further processed into various products far more valuable than the raw form and create additional employment in the process,” he said.

    Importation has become the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) long prevailing system in ensuring food security, hurting many Filipino farmers.  Thus, PCAFI has asked for the implementation of laws to curb importation that only benefit importers and traders.  

   The Safeguard Measures Act (SMA– Section 13, RA 8800) indicated that “in reaching a positive determination that the increase in the importation of the (imported) product is causing serious injury or threat  directly to competitive (local) products,” an increase in duty on the imported product may be imposed.

   The SMA also provides that if importation poses threat on the local industry, a decrease in the quota (minimum access volume or MAV) on the product may be implemented.  MAV is an importation program that carries lower tariff rate.

   “The initiation of international negotiations to address the underlying cause of the increase of imports of the product, to alleviate the injury or threat thereof to the domestic industry (should be done),” according to the PCAFI position paper.

   RA 8751 is the law that sanctions imposition of countervailing duties on imported subsidized products “in order to protect domestic industries from unfair trade competition.”

   Whenever any product is “granted directly or indirectly by the government in the country of origin” any kind of subsidy upon its production, and importation of such product causes material injury to a domestic industry, countervailing duties must be imposed.

   Ra 8752 also provides that anti-dumping duty may be imposed whenever any imported product has a price less than its “normal value” and causes threat to a domestic industry.

   Dr. Emil Q. Javier, national scientist and chairman of the Coalition for Agricultural Modernization of the Philippines (CAMP) also filed with presidential candidates the following recommendations:

1. Farm consolidation to attain economies of scale

   Prospective solutions may be to a) promote farm leasing by small unproductive farmers to more progressive farmers or to corporations; b) promote contract farming as a business model between small growers and  integrators; c) support rural cooperatives, irrigators associations ( IAs), and agrarian beneficiaries organizations ( ARBOs). 

   The government may also consider raising limit to farm holdings under agrarian reform from 5 to 20 hectares.  It should consider creating a Bureau of Agro-industrial Cooperatives under the DA.

2. Promotion of value-adding and processing to increase farmer incomes , create more jobs and expand exports

   This will generate more margins derived from the processing, marketing and distribution stages of the  value chain.  Farmers directly involved mainly in farm production stage face risks that are highest  while margins are often the least.

3. More efforts to expand access of small farmers to timely and affordable credit.

   “The government should consider creating a Land Bank subsidiary exclusively dedicated to small farmer lending.  It should also improve operations and raise capital of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp.,” said Javier.

4. Creation of a separate Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources

   “Fisherfolk and coastal communities are the poorest among  Filipinos.  Fisheries and marine resources are severely underfunded and largely under-utilized.  Fisheries tend to be neglected and crowded out by crops and livestock in DA.”

5. Reform of rural extension

   “Agricultural extension should be the task of local government units (LGUs) to bring extension services closer to the people,” Javier said.

   This LGU function has weakened for lack of direction, manpower, operating funds and expertise in the poor third to the sixth class municipalities where most of agriculture production is located.

   Therefore, it is better to locate the locus of planning, coordination and extension delivery at the provincial level. A Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Service ( PAFES) should be created.

6. Promotion of multiple cropping to create more jobs, produce more food and raise farmer income

   It is imperative that a shift from monocropping to multiple cropping must be done for economic and environmental sustainability.

   “Intercropping, relay cropping feasible with most crops, have more control on amount and time of availability of irrigation water.  We need to invest more in small irrigation systems to supplement large irrigation systems.   The National Irrigation Administration must also be returned to the DA for proper coordination of irrigation development, management and maintenance,” said Javier.  (Melody Mendoza Aguiba)

November 30, 2021

Vice President Leni Robredo has successfully transformed Filipino farmers in Bicol into “agri-entrepreneurs” through the “Umasenso sa Kabuhayan” that now sells directly to commercial establishments including Bigg’s Diner.

   During the forum “Halalan 2022 Para sa Agrikultura” organized by the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI), Robredo said there are already nine municipalities in Bicol with farming communities that are directly selling to hotels, restaurants, groceries, and supermarkets.

   “Farmers’ transition from subsistence farming (into entrepreneurship) is gradual.  But if we can show them the benefits, it is possible,” said Robredo.

   PCAFI held the forum to orient presidential aspirants on the need of Filipino farmers and the fact that agriculture has been neglected in many years, according to PCAFI President Danilo V. Fausto.

   Among the needs are an increased budget of at least 10% of GDP which is but “fair” as agriculture contributes 10% to GDP and even up to 35% when agriculture processing industries are included.

   Farmers need to be aided to become businessmen as “agriculture should not be treated as a charity work but as a business,” Fausto said.

 Recommendations on agriculture were also presented during the forum by Federation of Free Farmers Chairman Leonardo Montemayor, Alyansa Agrikultura Convenor Ernie Ordonez, and Rice Watch Executive Director Hazel Tanchuling.

   This program with Bicol farmers started in 2018 when the Office of the Vice President (OVP) conducted a simultaneous survey.  The survey asked commercial establishments on the top 10 agricultural goods they need and the top 10 crops that farmers grow.  

   Both the commercial establishments and the farmers’ groups cited the top 10 agricultural crops they need or grow.

   The businessmen cited these crops as what they need, in order from the most important to the least– calamansi, ginger, chili pepper, lettuce, and cucumber.

   “We told the farmers, ‘Grow calamansi, and we will provide you with the financial grants and the seedlings,’” she said.

   Initially, the farmers were resistant since they were used to growing cash crops (such as vegetables harvested in three weeks) or a set of crops just to make them a complete set –such as pinakbet vegetables talong, ampalaya, and kalabasa. 

   These farmers were also basically rice farmers who are among Philippines’ poorest.

   But there were enterprising farmers who dared to grow what they were advised, while there were businessmen who were willing to commit to buying these produce upon the prodding of the OVP.   

   It was also OVP’s partnership with the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

   The first big buyer is the Bigg’s Diner in Naga.

   These businesses used to buy produce from Baguio or Sariaya, Quezon, instead of from Bicol farmers because of various reasons (more expensive, etc).

   “We found it hard at first.  But when daring farmers started becoming successful, the other farmers followed,” said Robredo.  “Now we already have a lot of contracts.  You just need to be focused on the program.”

   The success is also attributable to collaboration.  The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) assisted the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB).  The Department of Agriculture (DA) assisted the non-ARBs.

   The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provided shared service facilities for selling the agricultural goods that cannot be bought by institutional buyers.   Now there are nine municipalities with shared service facility for this direct trading activity of farmers.

   If there is a need for value adding, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) comes in.

   “The OVP became a platform where everybody is on board—DA, DOST, DAR, DTI.  We are the ones that tell them this is what we need from you. Even the agencies are happy.  Now the farmers have a delivery truck.  And their earnings are far bigger than what they earned as mere rice farmers,” said the vice president.

   The farmers now also have an arrangement with LCC Supermarket, Bicol’s largest supermarket chain, to which the farmers commit to selling their produce.

   With the financial grant from government along with their higher income, farmers were able to buy greenhouses for their produce.  They were able to put up their drip irrigation facilities for efficient garden watering.

   The Umasenso sa Kabuhayan also has another successful agri-entrepreneurship program with the Sumilao Farmers in Bukidnon.  It is in partnership with Pilipinas Shell Founation.

   “They are our clients in Saligan (a non government organization of lawyers helping the poorest). Sumilao farmers won their case, and they’re very inspiring. Now they have become rich. Our program with Pilipinas Shell taught them to maximize resources. They just grew corn before, now they’re into livestock.”

   The OVP introduced these interventions to small farmers as Robredo observed that it is the traders that earn a lot from transactions on agricultural trade. 

   The farmers, who toil hard on the soil, just registered an income of an additional 6% throughout many years, Robredo said.  

   “If  agencies will not work on silos, programs will not be doubled, and gaps will be filled.  I tell farmers to just specialize on products (that are in demand).  Let us not insist on growing what is not needed.

   Specialization is achieved as one town takes on growing calamansi, another sili.  (Melody Mendoza Aguiba)

November 28, 2021

The Philippines should boost the production of export winner “agar agar” seaweed to create jobs and alternative rural livelihood while generating export reaching to $200 million yearly from Philippines’ fisheries-rich natural resource.

   Presidential Aspirant Francisco “Isko” Domagoso said during Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc’s  (PCAFI) “Agri 2022” that agar agar’s production should be raised considering Philippines’ rich coastal areas.

   “At a certain height in coastal areas, you can already plant agar agar. And agar agar is a very good way of alternative livelihood for our fisherfolks,” said Domagoso.

   Dr. Emil Q. Javier, national scientist and Coalition for Agriculture Modernization of the Philippines (CAMP), affirmed that the country’s experts are ready with the technology in seaweeds.  These experts are with the Marine Science Institute, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center, and University of the Philippines-Visayas.

   With seaweed as one export product that Philippines earns from at around $200 million yearly, the country should further enhance its fisheries position by asserting its fishing right to the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

   “Our ambition  should be to be a truly maritime nation. Asserting our right at the West Philippine Sea should be done to be a truly maritime nation,” said Javier who is also PCAFI officer.   “We’re very rich in fisheries resources, but our fishermen are among the poorest.”

   The Philippines should indeed stand in asserting its WPS fishing right, whatever the size of its armed force is, being a sovereign nation.

   “We must co exist as a country.  We will insist on what we have and what we own.  Yes there are countries that are superpower trying to intimidate us.  But when we stand our ground, we are respected by (bigger) countries because we have our own disposition.  I made it clear to our fisherfolks that we will fish in the West Philippine Sea –undeterred unharmed and unbullied,” said Domagoso.

   It should be Philippines’ policy to impose penalties on foreigners who violate Philippine’s territorial rights.  

   “Once you enter into our geography, I don’t have to make war with you, when it’s illegal (one should be penalized).   Why do we imprison our fellow Filipinos when they do something illegal, but when it comes to foreigners, we just watch them,” Domagoso said. “We will guarantee that our navy, whether small or big, our coast guard, whether small or big, whatever capacity we have as a nation we will go there with our fishers because it’s ours.”

   In the first place, Philippines enters into international treaties.  And its defense should also be its allies’ defense.

   “I don’t think the other side will push the button.  Nobody can afford it because we are a sovereign nation with allies. We’ve been signing agreements, treaties. It shouldn’t always be one way road. This is the time they should come (to our defense) because why will I sign treaties with you? Where were you when we need you most?”

   PCAFI President Danilo V. Fausto said that for Philippines to further specialize on fisheries since its territorial waters is bigger than the land, a Department of Fisheries should be created.

   Domagoso assured “we will separate our Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources from DA (Department of Agriculture).  You can’t be good on both land and water. There will be enough attention in land based (function) for food security (as well as in sea-based).”

   PCAFI has been orienting presidential candidates on the state of Philippine agriculture and has filed the following recommendations:

1. Allocation of at least 10% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) budget for agriculture which is just “fair” considering its GDP contribution of 10%.  At present, the sector just gets 1.5% budget.  Livestock and poultry contributes 27.7% to agriculture while it only gets 5.6% of the budget.  Corn contributes 6.4%, but it only gets 1.7% of DA budget.
2. Tariff collections should be used to develop the corresponding sector—Corn, fisheries, livestock and poultry tariff should be used to develop corn, fisheries, livestock and poultry sectors.
3. The Safeguard Measures Act, Anti Dumping Act, among others, should protect local farmers from unfair competition from imports.
4. National Irrigation Administration should be administered by DA for proper irrigation coordination.
5. The Bureau of Agriculture Cooperatives should be created under DA
6. Local government Units should allocate funds for agriculture extension as part of the proposed Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES) to ensure farmers get direct assistance on technology.
7. Convergence of DA, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Science and Technology to promote food and beverage manufacturing
8. Establishment of agro-industrial hubs and corridors
9. Passage of Land Use Bill to preserve agricultural lands
10. Diversification of agriculture production to invest more in horticultural and industrial crops, poultry, livestock, fisheries
11. Developing biotechnology, food science, automation, digitalization to enhance productivity and competitiveness
12. Regreening, watershed management, and agro-forestry implementation. (Melody Mendoza Aguiba)

November 28, 2021

Presidential aspirant Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso will “make sure” to implement laws such as the Safeguard Measures Act to curb excessive importation and put forth a “Filipino First” policy to ensure food security, consequently national security.

   In a series of the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc’s  (PCAFI) “Halalan Para sa Agrikultura 2022” held Friday, Domagoso committed to abiding by international treaties the Philippines signed into.

   Yet, he said it is but reasonable to look after the welfare of Filipino farmers first.

   “We live in a new world in a competitive time,  We must also adhere to our relationships to the world.  But first things first.  Filipino first,” Domagoso said.

   “I agree with treaties.  I agree with contracts.  But my question is what is it for us?  Nobody can blame us if this will be our attitude as elected leaders, as government leaders in this issue of national security.”

   PCAFI President Danilo V. Fausto stressed during the forum that Philippines has not at all implemented laws regulating unnecessary importation as sanctioned by the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA-Republic Act 8435 of 1997).

    This has caused flooding of imports, particularly pork recently.  This has brought losses of more than P100 billion to date, to the detriment of the local pork sector and its farmers.

   But the Safeguard Measures Act allows for the increase in duty of imported products in cases where this hurts the local industry and farmers.

   Likewise, the imposition of anti-dumping duties under RA 8752 makes sure unfair trade competition is stopped. 

   When government- subsidized goods abroad are dumped in the Philippines at very cheap price that render Filipino farmers’ produce uncompetitive, the duties may be imposed, Fausto said.

   Domagoso said such unfair competition for Filipino farmers should not happen again.

   “We’ll make sure there will be level playing field. I always tell businessmen that in Manila,   rules will be certain.  There is predictability,” he said.

   “It is good that we just have to implement those laws (on Safeguard Measures Act and Anti Dumping Act). When we implement, that applies to every John Doe and Mary.”

   As Fausto said the AFMA-mandated National Information Data System should be created to ensure there is data on import, export, demand, supply, Domagoso said this data system should be the basis if there is a need for importation.

   “Importation should only be when there is a delubyo (calamity).  Gone will be the days of hula hula (guessing the importation data),” he said.

   “Action should be based on facts, on quantifiable data. Or most likely it will be a shotgun approach. Nothing will be hit. If you have the data, then we will put actions. It may not be perfect, but results matter to me.”

   The clear threat of food security has not been observed as during the pandemic, Domagoso said.

   “The number one threat to national security is food security and it was made very clear to every John Doe and Mary in this pandemic – when Vietnam had an issue on (whether) to release their (rice) produce to the world in the middle of the pandemic.”

   Now is a high time for PHilippines to invest in agriculture, he said.

   “If our country, our leaders, not only the president, but legislative people, will not put our hearts into it, we’ll be subject into the situation of threat to food security five to 10 years from now.”

   Domagoso lamented that when he went to Tarlac lately, farmers complained having earned only P12 to P14 per kilo for their unhusked rice.

   “That means tabla talo.  If the cost of production is P12-14, then they not only lose money, they are also losing because of the work they put in. No wonder why our partners are aging, and technology and experience of our farmers are not being transferred to the next generation. I for one as parent will tell my children, ‘Don’t go to farming.  There’s no money there.’  Then we all lose,” he said.  (Melody Mendoza Aguiba)

November 15, 2021

Corn farmers are banking on the creation of a proposed Philippine Corn Development Authority so as to restore aid to the “orphaned” sector since the ratification of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).

   The corn sector used to have at least P1.6 billion Department of Agriculture (DA) budget, according to Philippine Maize Federation Inc. (PMFI) President Roger V. Navarro during the “Halalan sa 2022 Para sa Agrikultura” organized by the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture & Food Inc. (PCAFI).

   However, the budget, mainly through the DA-attached National Food Administration’s (NFA), has been eliminated with the passage of RTL.  The abolition of the functions of NFA consequently abolished government’s buying program  of farmers’ corn harvest.

   “The budget for corn before was only P60 million. Then the budget increased last to P1.6 billion.   But the industry is worth P100 billion.  There is a very big gap.  Then the RTL was passed, the RTL even became rice-centric,” Navarro said during the PCAFI Forum.

   Audience during the PCAFI Forum is Senator Francis N. Pangilinan, vice presidential candidate.

   Pangilinan, also Senate Committee Chairman on Agriculture, said he will look into the possibility of first drafting an executive order creating the government corn agency.  

   The EO will be a temporary instrument until creation of the corn agency becomes official through a congressional legislation.

   “We will study it.  We can issue an EO to  convene the corn development board and provide funding for it while the bill is being debated,” he said.

   There are many issues confronting the corn industry which should be addressed by a higher authority such as a corn development agency.

   For one, the local corn sector cannot grow to its maximum capacity as it is only allowed to import.  But it is not allowed to export and take advantage of seasonal high price of corn in the world market.

   “Corn was the first commodity to be liberalized under the WTO (World Trade Organization).    But it was only importation that was liberalized for corn and corn substitutes.  The  government has never really agreed to allowing us to export. (Even worse), they have plans to  make corn to have zero tariff,” he said.

     A serious concern for the corn sector is post harvest facilities which the Philippines lack.

   “There are two croppings for corn.  The first cropping has the biggest production of 65% for the (crop year)).  That is from August September October.  But since it is rainy, and  we don’t have the post harvest facilities, there is so much loss.  The February to March harvest is just fine because it can be dried on the highway.  But we need to save the first season harvest,” said Navarro.

   Unfortunately, while the Department of Public Works and Highways has a huge budget of P700 billion for infrastructure, its projects do not really involve post harvest facilities for the corn industry.

   The same absence of post harvest facilities compels government to have a program for buying corn. This program for buying all farmers’ harvest for the first cropping is already a practice in Thailand.

   “In Thailand, the government sequesters all corn production, and so you will see warehouses saying ‘Property of the Government of Thailand,’” Navarro said.

   A corn agency is also important since the Philippines needs to attend to many needs in order to be self reliant.  For one, there is hardly a local corn seed growing industry as many seed growers are multinational companies, Navarro said.

   Also, farmers find it difficult to supply the needed fertilizers for their crops since fertilizers’ cost is very high.   Navarro cited that government-owned fertilizer companies including the Philippine Phosphate and Atlas Fertilizer are no longer operating.

   He cited that the cost of fertilizers urea, potash, and Triple 14 is now very expensive at around P2,000 per bag. Thus farmers find them prohibitive to use.

   Pangilinan committed to support the corn industry, recognizing its unique role in the livestock sector.

   “Corn plays a very important role in feeds.  And feeds play an important role in livestock.  So we should really look after the needs of the corn sector,” Pangilinan said.

   PCAFI President Danilo V. Fausto said earlier cited the significance of the feed industry which is comprised substantially by corn and corn substitutes.

   Fausto said that the government should allocate a budget of at least P112.5 billion for livestock and poultry. And yet, feed also represents a big cost of input for livestock and poultry.

   “The feed industry is a P510-billion industry. Assuming two-thirds (67 percent) of feeds go to livestock and poultry, that represents P340 billion,” he said.

   Assistance in post harvest facilities is what will significantly improve farmers’ lives.

   “We make our farmers become mendicant. We don’t bring them respect.  But we will put dignity to the people as we elevate our assistance in infrastructure,” said Navarro.

   With post harvest facilities, the corn sector will be stabilized.

   “We will have a stable price, stable supply of corn, and stable income for farmers,” Navarro said. (Melody Mendoza Aguiba)

November 12, 2021

The government should have a way to defend Filipino farmers’ rights against excessive imports from trade agreements even as 440 million kilos of imported pork have already flooded the local market to the detriment of the local hog sector.

   Senator Francis N. Pangilinan, vice presidential candidate, said in a virtual forum on “Halalan 2022 Para sa Agrikultura” hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI) said the food importation regime  should stop.

   “We should only import when needed. Importation should be a last resort.  All countries have a way of standing up against (trade agreement pressures).  What’s been happening is we choose to go blinded just following mandates. There are grey areas in trade agreements we can hold on to in order to defend our farmers,” said Pangilinan.

   Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines (Propork) President Edwin Chen said it is unfortunate that despite pleas from the local hog sector for a cessation on importation, the government has ruled against the local hog sector’s request.

   PCAFI President Danilo V. Fausto cited the Safeguard Measures Act should be invoked as section 13 provides for the protection of local farmers.  The law provides that importation should only happen in cases of extreme supply shortage.

   Propork also reiterated the sector’s petition for government to put up the first border inspection facility which should restrict the entry of infectious animals inflicted with the African swine flu, among others.

   Chester Tan, president of the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc., said the Philippines should repopulate its hog sector in order for the country not to depend on imports.

   “But the DA (Department of Agriculture) is using the World Trade Organization (WTO) provision to import from different countries,” said Tan.  “Our advocacy is to repopulate so we won’t have to depend on imports.”

Pangilinan also committed to support the creation of the Philippine Corn Administration which will take care of the welfare of corn farmers.

   Philippine Maize Federation Inc. (PMFI) President Roger V. Navarro said corn farmers have been orphaned after the passage of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).

   National Food Authority (NFA) used to have a corn buying program.  But when RTL was ratified, the corn buying program was  abolished as RTL just focused on rice.  

   Navarro said government’s aid to corn farmers should be in the form of post harvest facilities. The absence of dryers and storage facilities cause many losses to farmers at harvest time when farmers are forced to sell their corn at low prices.

   The government budget for corn is only P60 million even if the corn sector is worth  P100 billion, said Navarro.

   Pangilinan said an executive order can already be issued in order to convene the Corn Development Board, a multi-sectoral group that used to meet to discuss development of the corn industry. 

   PCAFI also proposed the following measures for the development of the agriculture sector:

1. Full representation and participation of the private sector in the granting of import permits, first border inspections, road map preparation and review,and other agriculture policies and programs for agricultural development.

2. Creation of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic resources

3. Return of the authority and supervision of the National Irrigation

Administration (NIA) to the DA

4.  Creation of the Bureau of Agriculture Cooperatives and Associations under

DA

5. Mandating LGUs (local government units) to provide appropriate funds for the establishment of agriculture extension services and to support

agriculture production and value and supply chain.

6.  Diversification of agriculture production giving more attention and

investments in commodities other than rice, i.e. horticultural and industrial

crops, poultry and livestock and fisheries, re-directing food production to

farming systems and multiple cropping.

7.  Passage of the Land Use Bill to preserve agricultural lands.

8. Ensure and prioritize provisions for post-harvest facilities for fisheries and

aquaculture, livestock and poultry, rice, corn, coconut and high value

crops.

9.  Convergence of DA (Department of Agriculture), DTI (Department of Trade and Industry)  and DOST (Department of Science and Technology) initiatives to promote food and beverage manufacturing both for domestic needs and exports.

10. Establishment of agro-industrial hubs and corridors

11.. Harnessing advances in science to raise productivity and competitiveness,

e.g. modern biotechnology, food science, automation, digitalization, IT

technologies. (Melody Mendoza Aguiba)