THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) is launching activities to assist the transport of goods and support farmers as the Philippines battles the spike in oil prices due to the Middle East war.
DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra said they are focusing on targeted subsidies for vulnerable farm inputs and logistical support for transportation.
Collaboration with regional offices, such as the Cordillera Administrative Region for Baguio vegetables, includes deploying trucks to assist with transport and exploring fuel subsidies for truckers, Guevarra said.
She likewise advised consumers to be mindful of their purchase.
“Kung ano po yung kaya, yun lang po ang sanang ating makonsumo, yun lang po ang ating bilhin,” she said as she conducted price monitoring at Hulong Duhat Market in Malabon City.
During the inspection, market vendors and consumers expressed their concerns.
Lani Martinez, a vegetable vendor, described the challenges.
“Napakahirap po ng bentahan sa panahon ngayon lalo na nung nagkaroon ng krisis sa Middle East, as in wala, puro paluwal kami. Napakaraming nagtitinda ng gulay tapos walang namimili,” she said.
Customer Ed Abarquez lamented the high prices of goods.
“Konti lang ubos na isang libo ko, kokonti na lang [ang mabibili]. Mataas… lahat… pati bigas… Kung puwede nga lang di na kami magbibigas ulam na lang eh kasi mahirap talaga,” he shared, highlighting how a previously adequate budget for food for a day has become insufficient.
Guevarra said she anticipates the full impact of the price increases will become more apparent in the coming months. (ABS-CBN News)
