For Food Sufficiency! Modified Barter System Models Market Reform

At 9 a.m. today, Sept. 23, the first model of a Reformed Marketing System which would radically bring down prices of food commodities was launched in the coastal town of Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.
At least 2.5-metric tons of Pineapple, Papaya and Pomelo produced in excess in the provinces of North and South Cotabato were received by an organization of fisherfolk to be sold locally.
In return, the group, led by 2021 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon loaded over 4 tons of Talaba, Banisil and Bagongon on the same truck which delivered the fruits to be brought back to Cotabato where these would be sold in the markets.
The products were valued at farm gate price with a minimal mark up to cover the cost of transport and modest profit for both parties.
Called the “Modified Barter System,” the experiment aims to prove that if there is a national virtual map which would identify which areas produce food items in excess of the local requirements, these could be repositioned in provinces where these are needed.
With a national network of food consolidation centers and outlets, the food items could be repositioned and sold at a lower price as this would reduce the tiers and layers of middlemen and dicers who jack up prices.
If proven successful, this would support my advocacy for the reactivation of the moribund Food Terminal Inc., a government owned and controlled corporation under the National Food Authority.
In a recommendation I submitted to National Security Adviser Sec. Clarita Carlos, I proposed that FTI should open Food Consolidation Centers in the production and Outlets in the population centers to ensure sustainble food supply while ensuring producers of a ready market at an agreed price.
Correcting the flawed and exploitative market system is the first step in attaining Food Sufficiency in the country.
#GovernanceIsCommonSense!
#KungGustoMaramingParaan!
(Photos by Kathleen Bahinting.)