The President and Department of Agriculture (DA) Chief Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s proposal to prioritize the implementation of farm-to-market network system, calling it a “magnet for corruption.”
Marcos, on Monday, July 18, ordered the Department of Agriculture to create a farm-to-market road masterplan aiming to ensure food security in the Philippines. He then claimed that farm-to-market roads would help “solve some of the country’s supply chain problems.”
“The directive for the farm-to-market network is a magnet for corruption.- (this is also according to farmers) Granting farmers with much-needed cash aid and P15,000 production subsidies is more significant and imperative especially within the high cost of production and cost of living,” said Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) Chairperson Rafael Mariano on Tuesday, July 19.
With this demand, Mariano added that it would be helpful if Marcos would certify the legislation of House Bill 406 and House Bill 2024 as an urgent proposal.
Mariano stated that farm-to-market roads often become a convenient tool of corruption, further believing that this will not benefit farmers, citing Commission on Audit’s data.
“Sapat na subsidiya sa pagsasaka at pagpapababa sa production cost ang kagyat na kailangan ng mga magsasaka (Adequate subsidies for farming and low production costs are what farmers urgently need),” Mariano added.
Suggestions are good for a democratic country.
Correct unlike before. No one should be controlled.