Econ Mgrs, Pollicy Makers Must Visit The Countryside

With 30-million hectares of land, 36,289-kilometers of coastal lines and moderate to heavy rainfall year round, the Philippines could be a major agriculture exporting nation.
There has to be a radical shift in the mindset of our Economic Managers and Policy Makers on how to address inflation and rural poverty.
Investments must be made in agriculture and fisheries to boost productivity and enhance market access.
Government must also be prepared to come up with interventions to absorb the massive production which would come as a result of the investments.
I had long proposed that the National Food Authority (NFA) which is primarily a rice buffer stocking agency of government be given a bigger role of acting as the marketing and promotions agency for Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries products.
We cannot just ask our farmers and fishermen to produce more and then leave them hanging dry when they start harvesting their products.
This is what the fruit farmers of Cotabato and other parts of Mindanao are going through right now.
While the demand for fruits is huge in other parts of the country, fruit farmers of Kidapawan, Makilala, Magpet and other towns of North Cotabato face very low prices with Mangosteen down to P15 per kilo and Longkong Lanzones at P20.
To understand these realities, our Economic Managers and Policy Makers who handle the allocation of our national budget must get out of their air-conditioned offices and travel. the countryside.
This will give them a better appreciation of the potentials of the Philippines in Agriculture and Fisheries.
All that is needed is a little time to visit the farthest corners of the country and a lot of common sense.

#GovernanceIsCommonSense!
#KungGustoMaramingParaan!