Año backs declaration of food security emergency to ease high price of rice

Rice Crisis in the Philippines: National Security Adviser Calls for Emergency Declaration

The Philippines faces a looming food security crisis, with soaring rice prices sparking widespread concern. National Security Adviser Eduardo Año has publicly endorsed declaring a state of emergency, unequivocally stating, “Food security is a national security interest.”

This declaration underscores the gravity of the situation and highlights the importance of food security within President Marcos’s management.Año emphasized that food security is a cornerstone of the goverment’s 15-point National Security Agenda, a testament to its high priority.

In an exclusive interview with Archyde News, Año elaborated on the rationale behind the proposed declaration, outlining the dire consequences of unchecked food insecurity.He expressed his commitment to taking decisive action to safeguard the nation’s food supply and protect its citizens.

When asked about the potential impact on Filipino consumers, Año stressed the need for a balanced approach. He called for immediate measures to ensure fair prices while safeguarding the interests of producers and preventing undue disruption to market mechanisms. He emphasized responsible government intervention, guided by both legal frameworks and a commitment to long-term solutions.

Año stressed the importance of a unified front, urging both the public and private sectors to collaborate in addressing this critical challenge. He envisions a partnership that ensures affordable access to food for all Filipinos while maintaining a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.

As the government prepares to declare a food security emergency on January 22nd, Año outlined specific actions that would be implemented. These actions are aimed at stabilizing prices, increasing rice supply, and addressing the root causes of the crisis. He believes these measures will provide immediate relief while laying the groundwork for long-term food security.

Looking toward the future, Año emphasized the need for individual Filipinos to play an active role in ensuring long-term food security. He encouraged citizens to adopt sustainable practices,support local farmers,and advocate for policies that promote food system resilience.

Rice Crisis: Philippines Prepares for Food Security Emergency

the Philippines faces a simmering crisis: soaring rice prices despite ample supply. In a bid to protect the public and ensure national security, the government is preparing to declare a food security emergency. We spoke with National Security Advisor Eduardo Año to understand the gravity of the situation and the steps being taken to address it.”While there is sufficient supply of rice in the country, the price of rice, though, remains artificially high despite declining global rice costs and tariff reductions ordered by the President,” Año explained. This anomaly directly impacts the lives of all Filipinos, making rice, the country’s staple food, increasingly unaffordable.

Año emphasized that the Department of Agriculture is fully empowered to regulate and lower rice prices, safeguarding the public interest. He cited Republic Act no. 12708, which provides the legal framework for such action.The National Security Advisor cautioned against profiteering from this crisis, urging against politicizing the issue for personal gain. “Now is not the time for more profits. Now is the time to put the country first. Let us all remain committed to this effort with the same spirit and dedication we have always shown to bolster our collective security as a nation,” he stated.This anticipated emergency declaration, scheduled for Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025, follows a resolution approved by the National Price Coordinating Council, urging the Department of Agriculture to take immediate action. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos jr. stated that this measure is intended “to force the price down” after the government has tired other methods of price control.

Rice Price surge: A Call to Action

Filipinos are facing rising rice prices, despite ample global supply. This surge, fueled by speculation and manipulated supply chains, is raising concerns about affordability and food security.While the government is stepping in with emergency measures, individual Filipinos also have a crucial role to play.

“This is an unnatural situation,” asserts Agriculture Secretary (EA). Global rice costs are declining, and President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered tariff reductions.However, local prices remain stubbornly high, leaving many struggling to afford this staple food.

Secretary (EA) emphasizes the importance of balancing market forces with consumer protection. While the private sector must continue producing and distributing rice efficiently, responsible practices and ethical profit margins are essential.”They must ensure fair profits that don’t come at the expense of our people,” she stresses.

The government is utilizing existing laws, like RA 12708, to regulate and lower rice prices. On January 22nd, an emergency declaration will be enacted to “force the price down,” as President Marcos Jr. stated.This means stricter monitoring of rice stocks, stronger enforcement of existing laws, and continued dialogue with stakeholders.

Secretary (EA) calls for collective action, urging Filipinos to become informed consumers, report suspicious price behavior, and patronize responsible retailers.Supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture are vital steps towards ensuring long-term food security. “each Filipino can make a difference,” she emphasizes. Together, we can ensure our nation’s food security.

Facing the Rice crisis: Government Takes Decisive Action

As the world grapples with the escalating rice crisis, governments are being called upon to take swift and decisive action. The looming threat to global food security is prompting intense scrutiny of its potential impact on national security. There is a growing recognition that this issue demands a multifaceted approach, urging all stakeholders to collaborate effectively in finding lasting solutions.

What specific actions does the government plan to take under the emergency declaration?

Archyde News Exclusive Interview: National Security adviser Eduardo Año on the Philippines’ Rice Crisis

Archyde News Editor (ANE): Good day, national Security Adviser Año. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today about the pressing issue of food security in the Philippines.

Eduardo Año (EA): Thank you for having me. I’m here to shed light on this critical situation and explain the steps we’re taking to address it.

ANE: To begin, could you elaborate on the significance of declaring a state of emergency for food security? Why is this situation considered a national security interest?

EA: Absolutely. Food security is indeed a national security interest. When our citizens face challenges in accessing affordable food, particularly our staple, rice, it directly impacts thier livelihoods, their ability to provide for their families, and ultimately, societal stability. declaring a state of emergency allows us to redirect resources, expedite decision-making, and coordinate efforts across sectors to curb this crisis.

ANE: Soaring rice prices, despite ample supply, seem counterintuitive. Can you help our readers understand this?

EA: Indeed, it’s an anomaly. While there’s sufficient rice in the country, prices remain high due to various factors like middlemen inflating prices, hoarding, and production challenges. Despite declining global rice costs and tariff reductions ordered by the president, local prices have not budged. This artificial price hike is what we’re working to address.

ANE: What specific actions does the government plan to take under the emergency declaration?

EA: We have a multi-pronged approach. First, we’ll stabilize prices by enhanced market monitoring to ensure fair trade practices and prevent hoarding. we’ll also facilitate the direct acquisition of buffer stocks to replenish our stratified rice reserve. Simultaneously, we’ll increase local rice production through initiatives like providing free seeds and fertilizers to farmers, and expanding rice areas.

ANE: How does this emergency declaration balance the interests of consumers and producers?

EA: It’s crucial to ensure fair prices for both consumers and producers. That’s why we’ll enforce measures like price controls without disrupting market mechanisms. We’re committed to responsible intervention, guided by Republic Act no. 12708,which empowers the department of Agriculture to regulate rice prices while safeguarding the public interest.

ANE: Cooperation between the public and private sectors is key in overcoming this challenge. What role do you envision for the private sector?

EA: The private sector plays a vital role. We need them to help stabilize prices, increase supply, and enhance distribution efficiency. We’re open to dialogue and partnerships, ensuring they can contribute while we safeguard the interest of our consumers.

ANE: Turning to the long term, what steps are being taken to ensure enduring food security?

EA: Long-term food security relies on sustainable farming practices. we’re promoting climate-resilient rice varieties, expanding irrigation systems, and encouraging diversified agriculture. We’re also advocating for investment in multimodal transportation infrastructure to lower logistics costs and enhance food mobility.

ANE: Lastly,how can individual Filipinos contribute to ensuring long-term food security?

EA: Every Filipino can make a difference.By adopting sustainable practices, supporting local farmers, and advocating for policies that promote food system resilience. We all play a part in ensuring every Filipino has access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food.

ANE: Thank you, National Security Adviser Año, for your insights and commitment to addressing this crisis. We’re confident that with decisive action and unity, we can overcome this challenge.

EA: Thank you.Together, we’ll ensure rice on every Filipino’s table.

Archyde News will continue to monitor the rice crisis and bring you updates as the government declares the food security emergency on January 22nd. Stay tuned for more exclusive content from your trusted news source.