Radyo Natin Town Hall Meet: AGAP party-list pushes for more budget to stabilize local food supply

The latest episode of "Radyo Natin Town Hall Meeting" on April 20, 2022 features Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines (AGAP) party-list to answer several issues impending the growth of our local agricultural sector. The segment was participated by AGAP party-list Congressman Nicanor Briones.

AGAP party-list is an organization established in 2003 in order to protect and promote the welfare of the farmers. Since then, it has been actively pursuing all endeavors that would benefit the entire agricultural industry nationwide.

Briones answered questions presented to him by Radyo Natin stations along with representatives of more than 100 Radyo Natin stations in Radyo Natin Calauag, Quezon, Radyo Natin Hamtic, Antique, Radyo Natin Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, Radyo Natin Buhi, Camarines Sur, Radyo Natin Argao,Cebu and Radyo Natin Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Below are the highlights discussed at the Radyo Natin Town Hall Meeting with the AGAP party-list represented by Briones:

Radyo Natin Calauag, Quezon
Mr. Mark Joseph Cruz asked: What is status on the price of basic foods such as pork, chicken, egg, and rice? What steps did AGAP party-list take to stabilize prices?

Briones said that increasing price of basic foods has been a lingering problem in the Philippines. He said that the price of basic foods such as pork, chicken, eggs, rice, fish, etc. are very expensive because of the lack of support from the government, no control over the importation of agricultural products, and smuggling of agricultural products.

He added that the reason why a lot of Filipino families are suffering is because of the ongoing hike in basic commodities due to a lack of budget in the agricultural sector. When you compare it to Vietnam, the Philippines has only a P75 billion budget for agriculture while Vietnam has P310 billion, said Briones.

According to Briones, due to the African swine fever (ASF) in the country, pork supply became scarce. And as a result, the price of pork went up to P350 to P400 pesos per kilo, from P200 per kilo.

Radyo Natin Hamtic, Antique
Mr. Sherwin Pacete asked: What is the status of African swine fever (ASF) for pork and bird flu on chicken in the country?

According to Briones, ever since the ASF affected the country, the government did not create a better solution to prevent it. The biosecurity that the government implemented was not effective; it should have provided additional funding to those who are affected by the ASF.

He added that due to the lack of support and funds from the government, ASF will continue to happen and will cause a price-hike on pork and chicken products.

Radyo Natin Lebak, Sultan Kudarat
Mr. Jojo Gait asked: How did AGAP party-list help fishermen and farmers in our country?

Briones said that the AGAP party-list has been established to fight the excessive importation of agricultural products. He said that the party-list is presently conducting an investigation on the alleged smuggling, now being discussed by the Committee of the Hall to be led by Senate President Tito Sotto.

The advocacy of AGAP is to also implement a farm-to-market road program that will help a lot of farmers, Briones said.
Also, Briones said there is Anti-Botcha Law which can affect the sales on pork meat. The punishment for selling double dead meat is six years to 12 years of imprisonment.

Radyo Natin Buhi, Camarines
Ms. Grace Oafallas asked: What is the recommended solution of AGAP party-list in the issue of providing "abono" for "palay" or unhusked rice of farmers?

According to Briones, it will be very helpful for the farmers if the excise tax and Value Added Tax (VAT) in petroleum products will be removed. He said that the distribution of fertilizers of the government to farmers, which is only one sack of "abono", is not enough. Briones is suggesting to limit the importation, as the country has enough supply of harvested rice and this will help the farmers to sell their "palay" or unhusked rice first before importing.

Radyo Natin Argao, Cebu
Ms. Robelen Cabilida asked: Party-lists have flocked this year's election campaign. What prompted you to join the party list elections?

The congressman said that AGAP was established in 2002 for farmers and hog raisers in Lipa, Batangas when he was a president of multipurpose cooperative. The decision to join the party-list system was formed after realizing the big loss on the earnings of farmers and fishermen because of excessive importation and smuggling in the country, said Briones.

He also said that in 2007, they have decided to aim for a party list position to help the members of the agricultural sector, a marginalized sector representing farmers and fishermen.

Radyo Natin Isulan, Sultan Kudarat
Ms. Amor Musico asked: When you speak with your constituents, what do you think they need most?

Briones said that he wants to inform the country that the agricultural sector is now experiencing loss in earnings and the ongoing smuggling is badly affecting the livelihood of the fishermen and farmers.

He said that the Department of Justice and Bureau of Customs is not following the guidelines on the issue of smuggling such as when you caught someone smuggling any goods, he or she should be punished, put to jail and should be non-bailable.

The representative also reiterates to the public the effects of excessive importation in different sectors of agriculture and that he wants the government and the public to know that a lot of fishermen and farmers are suffering despite the sufficient supply of agricultural products in the country.

Lastly, Briones is asking the public to support for a party list, presidential, vice presidential and senatorial candidate that will take care on the welfare of the fishermen and farmers. This, according to him, is the key to a successful agricultural sector and affordable price of goods, and a stable food supply for the Filipinos.