Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Tuesday, August 22, that the rising prices of rice will be difficult for consumers, which is a concern.
Fears that the rising prices of rice will cause food inflation have been raised.
“Obviously there is a struggle right now because India which is a net importing country has decided not to sell its rice,” Lacson said.
On the call to abolish the National Food Authority (NFA) for failing to do anything, Lacson said the agency apparently lacks funds.
“Is NFA being given enough funds to buy at a higher price from rice farmers? Without financial support to NFA, I feel that it will be very difficult for it to do its mandate,” he said.
Asked if it is time for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to appoint an agriculture secretary, Lacson said “that’s really up to him if he feels that he can manage it. On the other hand, it also shows his concern for the agricultural sector, we leave it to his better judgment”.
Netizens have been citing Marcos’ failure to fulfill his campaign promise to bring rice prices down to P20 a kilo.
Agriculture Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla, in a House hearing on Tuesday, said it would be difficult to lower the price of rice to P20 in the immediate future.
Meanwhile, Lacson said he hopes that despite the recent sugar importation, millgate prices of sugar do not go below P3,000 per 50 kilobag.*