I respectfully disagree with President Marcos’ decision to reduce the tariff on imported rice from 35 percent to 15 percent until 2028. While the intention to lower rice prices for Filipino households is commendable, this approach may have unintended negative consequences for our local farmers and the broader agricultural sector.
First and foremost, reducing the tariff will lead to a significant loss in revenue, estimated at up to P22 billion, which could otherwise be used to support the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). This fund is crucial for providing our farmers with the resources they need to improve productivity and competitiveness. Without adequate funding, the progress we have made in enhancing rice production efficiency could be jeopardized.
Moreover, slashing tariffs will make it exceedingly difficult for local farmers to compete with the influx of cheaper imported rice. This scenario poses a serious threat to the livelihood of our farmers, who already face numerous challenges, including high production costs and limited access to advanced farming technologies.
Instead of reducing tariffs, I believe we should focus on empowering our farmers to produce rice that is globally competitive. Here are several measures that could help achieve this goal:
- Invest in Modern Agricultural Technologies: Provide farmers with access to modern equipment and technology to increase productivity and reduce production costs.
- Research and Development: Fund research into high-yield, pest-resistant rice varieties that can thrive in local conditions.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Improve irrigation systems, transportation, and storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure that farmers can get their products to market efficiently.
- Training and Education: Offer training programs to farmers on best practices in sustainable agriculture and efficient farm management.
- Financial Support: Provide low-interest loans and grants to farmers to help them invest in necessary resources and expand their operations.
- Market Access: Facilitate better access to local and international markets by establishing cooperative networks and export initiatives.
By focusing on these areas, we can support our farmers in becoming more competitive and resilient, ensuring that they can continue to supply high-quality rice to both local and global markets. This approach not only aligns with our goal of making rice affordable but also secures the long-term sustainability and prosperity of our agricultural sector.
The Government cannot address this issue like a simple problem because it isn’t. We need real think tanks and great managers who can pull this off and see it through. (RAFFY GUTIERREZ)
