Ibon Foundation said that the Rice Tariffication Law has never benefited farmers. From P385 billion in 2018 ($7 billion), the value of palay production declined to P333 billion ($6.06 billion) in 2021 despite an increase of 894,076 metric ton in production volume.
“We challenge candidates to heed the demands of our food producers and consumers to ensure that food security and rice agenda are part of their platforms.”
“Once totally fed up, farmers could actually lead a peasant uprising in the countryside that is directed at Duterte,” said Danilo Ramos, chairperson of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas.
Filipino farmers call for subsidy amid the influx of imported rice from other countries.