President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said that the Department of Agriculture (DA) expects better palay harvest this year, adding that the government has to continue carrying out programs that could further develop the sector to ensure food security even with a good harvest.

“Sabi ng Department of Agriculture ay mas malaki ang ani natin ngayon taon na ito kaysa sa nakaraan kaya’t sa production side naman ay nagiging maayos,” President Marcos said during a rice distribution event in Iriga City, Camarines Sur.

“Ngunit, kailangan natin ayusin ang sistema mula sa pagtanim, mula sa pag-research and development hanggang sa pagtanim, hanggang sa processing, hanggang sa distribution, marketing, hanggang sa retail. Kaya’t ginagawa po natin ay binubuo natin lahat ‘yan.”

Marcos expressed hope that Filipinos could soon feel the effects of more improved production in the agriculture sector.

The current government thrust is to address the gaps and challenges in the sector particularly rice distribution that affects supply and prices.

“Marami naman tayong bigas hindi lang nailalabas nang tama. Kaya’t hindi problema ang supply sa atin dito sa Pilipinas,” the President said, saying it was among the reasons why the government had to impose a cap on rice prices.

Asked during a media interview on the implementation of the price ceiling on rice, Marcos said that with the start of the harvest season, rice prices will soon drop in the market.

“Sa palagay ko, pagpasok ng ani, dahil papasok na, nag-aani na tayo at pagpasok niyan, sa palagay ko makikita na natin na bababa ‘yung presyo,” he said.

“Market forces. Baka kung ‘yung merkado mismo ang bumababa na ang presyo, puwede na nating bawasan ‘yung mga kontrol na nilagay natin.”

In the meantime, the government has to implement measures such as the imposition of price cap, provision of cash aid to rice retailers, as well as setting new palay buying price range for the National Food Authority (NFA) to help farmers and secure inventory. PND