P20/kilo rice, not yet possible
By J.Lo
"P20 per kilo was an aspiration… problem is we are now at 15-year high in world market prices… previously at $230 per ton in Vietnam, today it's $700 per ton…today, it is not possible," Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said, citing challenges include climate change, El Niño and geopolitical tensions overseas.
Achieving "aspiration" for rice at P20 per kilo is not possible at this time, but government will work on bringing down prices to affordable levels for consumers, newly installed. Laurel said.
At briefing, Laurel said lowering retail price of rice to level promised by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during election campaign is challenging, given uncertainties in world market.
"Problem around the world is so complicated… climate change, El Niño is now here and it will continue until middle of next year…anything can happen…we don't know when there will be another war in other places, and we don't know if ship will get stuck in Suez Canal," Laurel said.
Department chief did not discount fact that lowering prices is still possible with modernization of agriculture. "It is possible to lower price…but we need to have our silos, we have to have buffer stock…and we have to change some laws, I believe," Laurel said.
At congressional budget hearing last August, DA officials admitted P20-per-kilo rice promise is not achievable in next two years. They cited inadequate irrigation projects, conversion of rice lands into subdivisions and not enough market roads and equipment as challenges to meet aspirational target.
Laurel has also refuted criticisms his appointment will benefit his businesses and was a "payback" for his significant contribution to FMJ campaign.
"Definitely there's no payback... as I said, this is sacrifice… for the country," newly appointed agriculture chief said at press briefing.
Moreover, Laurel said his appointment would not cause any conflict of interest as he has divested from Frabelle Fishing Corp.
"Basically, I've already divested... I have no more interests in all companies I used to own… DA is full-time job. I have no time to do anything else," he said.
Protests greeted first day in office of Laurel after members of fishers' group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) picketed outside Department of Agriculture main office in Quezon City.
"This protest is our way to formally welcome new DA secretary…we want to show our sentiments where we believe that we cannot expect from Secretary Francisco Laurel if our basis is his background as big businessman involved in fishery sector," Pamalakaya vice chair Ronnel Arambulo said.
"This has conflict of interest because of his business… will just use his position at Department of Agriculture to advance interest of his business," Arambulo said.
According to Arambulo, fishers and farmers will not benefit from appointment of Laurel.
Pamalakaya is willing to meet with Laurel in case he initiates consultation with stakeholders.
Group also emphasized need to remain "extra vigilant" with appointment of Laurel due to his "extensive experience in fishing industry and commercial ventures."
"There will always be catch when business tycoon is appointed in government position," Arambulo said.
He added small fisherfolk across country are well-acquainted with Laurel's company, Frabelle, which was "previously associated with destructive trawling methods, depleting fish stocks and damaging coral reefs within municipal waters."
"We will definitely keep an eye on Agriculture Secretary Tiu-Laurel Jr., and will not allow him to use his crucial post to advance business agenda, instead of needed public service," Arambulo said.
For their part, an autonomous region in south gave newly appointed agriculture secretary vote of confidence, certain he will complement efforts to empower agriculture and fishery sectors in Bangsamoro provinces.
Two members of 80-seat Bangsamoro regional parliament, lawyer Hadji Nabil Tan and physician-ophthalmologist Kadil Sinolinding Jr., said they are certain Laurel will be efficient conduit of Malacañang to fishery and agriculture sectors in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Basilan Gov. Jim Salliman and his counterpart in Lanao del Sur, Mamintal Adiong Jr., also welcomed appointment of Laurel.
Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza is happy with appointment of Laurel as full-fledged agriculture secretary.
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