KADIWA PROJECT | Better policies needed than ‘temporary assistance,’ says ex-DA official

November 17, 2022 , 11:30 AM

By Beatrice Puente

(November 17, 2022) – President Bongbong Marcos Jr. should implement a holistic approach to make the agriculture sector more competitive and efficient instead of merely giving temporary assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and the public, a former official of the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday.

Former DA undersecretary Fermin Adriano stressed that the government must do more to address the persisting gaps. He said there must be a comprehensive plan to fix the entire value chain.

“Ang nangyayari ngayon, for example we want to increase productivity, we give fertilizer, we give seeds, etc., but it’s temporary assistance. ‘Pag nawala ‘yung seeds and fertilizer, bagsak na naman ang production. It’s not sustainable,” said Adriano on One News’ The Chiefs.

He also pointed out that the Kadiwa project being revived by Marcos may not be sustainable in the long term, noting there are better policy instruments available.

“Instead of selling those products, you might as well just give the money to the poorest of the poor so that in turn, they can choose what they want to buy. By allowing them to purchase their own products, they will be able to develop the local economy,” said Adriano.

On Tuesday, Marcos launched the Kadiwa ng Pasko stores, where the public can purchase cheaper goods, including rice sold at P25 per kilo. Marcos said the supply came from the buffer stock of the National Food Authority.

“Palapit na tayo roon sa aking pangarap na mag-P20 (ang bawat kilo ng bigas). Pero dahan-dahan lang. Aabutin din natin ‘yan pero marami pa tayong gagawin,” said Marcos in his speech.

To recall, he promised during the campaign season to bring down the cost of rice to P20 per kilo. Some critics questioned the feasibility of his goal because of the issues of sustainability.

Marcos appointed himself as DA secretary, citing the need to urgently address the food crisis.

As of now, the cost per kilo of regular milled rice is P38 while the well-milled rice is slightly higher at P42. Adriano said the Kadiwa ng Pasko stores must be situated close to poor communities to benefit those who are really in need. He added that it will require a lot of effort to pull down the cost of rice to P20 per kilo.

“The purpose of the policy is to obtain the maximum results to benefit the greatest number of our people. Is it benefitting the greatest number of our people?” said Adriano.

He added that the lack of continuity of programs in the DA also factored in the lack of progress in the agriculture sector, noting that there should be a thorough focus on research and development.

“It has to be holistic on a specific area. That’s the way to plan it. ‘Di puwedeng compartmentalized,” said Adriano.

(PM)

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