A “win-win” for consumers and farmers.
This was how House Committee on Agriculture and Food Chair and ANAC-IP Rep. Jose Panganiban Jr. characterized the recent passage of the Rice Tariffication Bill, which aims to lift the quantitative restriction on rice imports and removes the National Food Authority’s (NFA) monopoly on the importation of the staple grain.
The measure awaits the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte after hurdling the bicameral committee last November.
“Definitely, sa pagkapasa ng Rice Tariffication bill, our rice farmers can expect a better 2019,” said Panganiban, who sponsored and ushered the bill at the House of Representatives.
“The onus is on the DA and other implementing agencies to ensure that these funds are maximized.”
Panganiban explained that while the focus is on the expectation that the bill could lower rice prices by up to P7 per kilo and stabilize inflation, equal importance should be placed on the provisions that safeguard the welfare of farmers.
The bill would greatly benefit rice farmers, the solon stressed, with the P10 billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), earmarked to ensure that they would not be left behind despite the influx of rice imports.
The RCEF will be used for improvement of farm machinery and equipment, seed production, training for rice farming, and a loan program.
The NFA’s mandate has also been limited to procuring rice from local producers to maintain a rice buffer stock.
“The DA, among others, will have their hands full—I hope they will be up to the task.”
Taken hand in hand, the two provisions could lead to modernized farming that will yield increased output, as well as a ready market, Panganiban said.
“Bukod pa ito sa naka-ambang na budget ng Department of Agriculture na tataas sa P122 billion from P53.4 billion in 2018 pagka-pasa ng 2019 budget,” he added.
Panganiban, however, reminded that an improved agriculture sector is not a given despite the boost provided by Congress.
Strict implementation to guarantee that the funds are used for their sole purpose is required, said the lawmaker.
“Ultimately, the onus is on the DA and other implementing agencies to ensure that these funds which will be allocated for the sector and for the good of our farmers are maximized. The DA, among others, will have their hands full—I hope they will be up to the task.”
