Senator Kiko Pangilinan called for the issuance of an executive order (EO) to establish a floor price for palay (unmilled rice).
This measure would apply to all government purchases and align with the full implementation of the Sagip Saka Act (Republic Act No. 11321), to ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their hard work, especially in light of declining farmgate prices.
“Kapag ang palay ay binili ng walo hanggang sampung piso kada kilo habang ang production cost ay katorse hanggang kinse pesos, kulang ang anumang ayuda para punan ang lugi,” Pangilinan said.
“Hindi nila kailangan ng abuloy. Kailangan nila ng patas na presyo sa bunga ng kanilang lakas.”
“Hindi nila kailangan ng abuloy. Kailangan nila ng patas na presyo sa bunga ng kanilang lakas…Kaya ang isa sa matagal na nating panawagan ay floor price, para pumatas naman ang laban ng mga nagpapakain sa atin,” said the chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform.
The veteran legislator made the statement after Danilo Bolos, a rice farmer from Nueva Ecija told a House of Representatives’ hearing that what rice farmers need is higher buying prices for palay, not another wave of cash assistance.
Bolos told the House committees on agriculture and food and ways and means that the practice of providing them aid makes it seem that they are beggars.
“Ang EO ay patunay na ang gobyerno ay nakikinig sa mga alalahanin ng ating mga magsasaka, at pinahahalagahan natin ang kanilang pagsusumikap,”Pangilinan stressed.
“Makakahinga nang konti ang ating magpapalay sa floor price.”
“Makakahinga nang konti ang ating magpapalay sa floor price. Magkakaroon ng konting proteksyon laban sa mga trader na ginagawang puhunan ang kanilang pagka-desperado. Isa ito sa maraming hakbang para umahon ang ating magpapalay mula sa isang kahig, isang tuka at magkaroon ng masaganang kita,” the seasoned lawmaker said.
The senator stressed that a floor price will stabilize the market, protect farmers from exploitative traders, and encourage continued rice production, a critical measure as the country pursues long-term food security.
