The House Committee on Agriculture and Food Approves Amendments to Rice Tariffication Law
The House Committee on Agriculture and Food has recently approved a substitute bill aimed at amending the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL). This bill, which replaces several house bills, has been approved by the panel with some style and amendments. The approval of this bill marks a significant step forward in addressing the challenges and limitations of the current law, with the aim of improving the livelihood of local farmers and ensuring food security for all Filipinos.
Efforts to Cut Rice Prices and Enhance the Role of the National Food Authority
Speaker Martin Romualdez has expressed his commitment to reducing the price of rice in the market. He stated that the House of Representatives aims to lower the price of rice by at least P10 or even P15 by instructing the National Food Authority (NFA) to make affordable rice more accessible to the public. The approval of the substitute bill by the House Committee has been welcomed by lawmakers who believe that amending the RTL is a crucial step in supporting the agricultural sector and consumers.
Zambales 1st District Representative Jefferson Khonghun expressed his satisfaction with the approval of the substitute bill during a press conference. He emphasized the importance of amending the RTL and highlighted the positive impact it will have on the agricultural sector. House Deputy Majority Leader and Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Representative Margarita Nograles also commended the swift action taken by the House in addressing important issues.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Certifies Amendments to RTL as Urgent
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared his intention to certify the amendments to the RTL as urgent. This move has been praised by Speaker Romualdez, who believes that it is a critical step forward in improving the livelihood of local farmers and ensuring food security for all Filipinos. The certification of the bill as urgent underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges and limitations of the current law.
Enhancing the Role of the National Food Authority and Protecting Rice Prices
Speaker Romualdez and other lawmakers have proposed amendments to the RTL that would empower the NFA to directly sell rice to public markets. By adjusting the framework for rice importation and enhancing the role of the NFA in the market, the aim is to protect rice prices from the volatility caused by international markets and the predatory practices of some traders. This, in turn, will lead to more stable and predictable pricing for consumers while ensuring that farmers receive a fair price for their produce.
The Speaker has called on his fellow lawmakers in the House and Senate to support the swift passage of this measure. The proposed amendments to the RTL are seen as a necessary step towards achieving a more balanced and sustainable rice market.
Collaboration between the House and the Department of Agriculture to Lower Rice Prices
In addition to the amendments to the RTL, Speaker Romualdez announced a collaborative effort between the House and the Department of Agriculture (DA) to reduce the price of rice to below P30 per kilo in certain areas, starting in July. The DA is currently identifying the areas where affordable, well-milled rice can be made available to the public.
During a meeting with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and other officials, it was clarified that despite the restrictions imposed by the law, the NFA may be authorized to sell affordable rice through Kadiwa centers, which can be established nationwide with the support of local government units. These Kadiwa centers will operate in specific regions, offering affordable, well-milled rice five days a week, depending on the rice supply available at the NFA.
The aim is to gradually increase the number of Kadiwa centers across the country with the help of local government officials who have volunteered to provide public spaces for these centers. This collaborative effort between the House and the DA demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that affordable rice is accessible to all Filipinos, thereby improving food security and supporting local farmers.
In conclusion, the approval of the substitute bill by the House Committee on Agriculture and Food marks an important milestone in amending the Rice Tariffication Law. The proposed amendments aim to enhance the role of the National Food Authority, protect rice prices, and ensure a fair price for farmers. Additionally, the collaborative efforts between the House and the Department of Agriculture to lower rice prices demonstrate a commitment to improving food security and supporting local farmers. These initiatives are crucial in addressing the challenges and limitations of the current law and ensuring a more sustainable and balanced rice market for all Filipinos.
Source: The Manila Times
