Farmers Criticize Rice Importation Suspension Scheme
MANILA, Philippines — A peasant group strongly opposed the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) latest proposal to temporarily halt rice importation and raise tariffs. They called the plan another false “pro-farmer” policy that fails to address the root problems of the rice industry.
The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) said the DA’s suggestion to suspend rice imports and increase tariffs is a short-term, reactive measure. It does not solve the chronic issues caused by import liberalization under the rice liberalization law.
“The chronic crisis in the rice industry is rooted in import liberalization and the rice liberalization law, which should be repealed without delay. The government must stop feeding us illusions of ‘pro-farmer’ policies,” said KMP national chair Danilo Ramos in a statement.
Ramos made this comment after a government official revealed that suspending rice imports and raising tariffs would be urgent topics during President Marcos’ upcoming state visit.
Calls for Policy Overhaul and Concrete Support
The peasant group insisted that the government must take concrete actions rather than temporary fixes. They urged the repeal of Republic Act No. 11203, which liberalized rice imports under the previous administration, and Executive Order 62 that lowered import duties from 35 percent to 15 percent.
Aside from policy changes, KMP called for significant government investment in local rice production. They proposed subsidies and compensation programs nationwide, including:
- 100-percent irrigation development
- free irrigation services
- a guaranteed P20-per-kilo farmgate price for palay
- a P25,000 per hectare production subsidy for farmers
“What our farmers truly need is not temporary protection, but a complete overhaul of the policies that have long sabotaged local agriculture,” Ramos emphasized.
Farmers Demand Genuine Support
The group’s call highlights the ongoing struggle of Filipino farmers facing low farmgate prices and competition from cheaper imported rice. They believe that only a comprehensive policy shift can revive the local rice industry and secure farmers’ livelihoods.
For more news and updates on rice importation and agricultural policies, visit Filipinokami.com.
