Food sufficiency targets doable with political will: stakeholders

Despite the global threat of a food price crisis, several agricultural stakeholders expressed on Monday their confidence in the food sufficiency targets of President and Agriculture chief Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., saying the government’s approach could become game-changing if carried out with a political will. (Pexels Photo)

MANILA – Despite the global threat of a food price crisis, several agricultural stakeholders expressed on Monday their confidence in the food sufficiency targets of President and Agriculture chief Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., saying the government’s approach could become game-changing if carried out with a political will.

At a virtual press conference of Tugon Kabuhayan, former Agriculture Secretary Leonardo Montemayor said the government might need to reassess usual theories and apply innovative solutions to achieve food sufficiency in the Philippines

“It’s a matter of political will. I think the president stated sa kanyang (in his) inaugural speech na food sufficiency, it’s not just a matter of trading, but an existential imperative, even a moral one,” he said.

Montemayor cited Israel, as an example, sharing its ability to secure agricultural advancement despite their former setting.

“If Israel has been able to turn the desert into farmlands, we can certainly do it. Kaya basta may (It’s doable if there’s a) decision. We have the natural resources, and the human resources from lowly farmer to executive,” he said.

With Marcos’ stand to prioritize “enough and affordable” food, former Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Director Asis Perez said the administration may be posing a game-changing approach, considering the challenges brought by the continued conflict between Ukraine and Russia, effects of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, and the global pressures caused by climate change.

“If the President is serious about food self-sufficiency, it would [be] a game-changer. It would mean available and affordable Philippine-produced food. This is both a challenge and an opportunity to local food producers,” he said.

National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. president Chester Warren Tan said Marcos should lead the call for food sufficiency.

“Maganda na ang Presidente ang nag-lead. If successful, lahat makikinabang, pati ang consumers (It’s good for the president to lead [the call]. If it’s successful, all will benefit, even the consumers),” he said.

Marcos earlier insisted in his inauguration speech that he will put a premium on the agriculture sector, increasing local production, as well as using innovation.

He also said he will form strategies to ensure “affordable market prices”, and reduce importation, which will only be done as supplementary to local production.