Simple Explainer! Bakit Mali Ang Polisiya Ng Massive Importation

Why is the policy of attaining Food Security through massive importation of commodities which could be produced by local farmers a monumental blunder?
Some people have labeled me as an Ultra-Nationalist for my hardline position that the Philippines should exert all efforts, regardless of the cost, to produce the basic food commodities needed by Filipino consumers.
Actually, this position has nothing to do with Nationalism.
It is simply a practical strategy to ensure Food Security for the country while at the same time boosting economic growth and creating jobs locally.
At the height of the dispute between me and the Economic Managers over the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) which allowed the unimpeded importation of rice, I argued that relying on importation for the country’s rice supply was a dangerous move.
First, there was the danger of Natural Calamities and Climate Change affecting the production of rice in countries which would be the sources of our supply.
Second, Geopolitical Conflicts and Tension could affect the Global Food Supply Chain and threaten the country’s Food Security.
Third, heavy reliance on importation dampens the planting intentions of local farmers and reduce productivity which would be disastrous the moment the First and Second scenarios occur.
Fourth, reliance on importation saps the country’s dollar reserves and deprives Filipino farmers and workers the opportunity of earning and contributing to Economic Growth in the countryside.
Sadly now, these scenarios are unfolding simply because the Economic Managers of the previous administration prevailed in convincing then President Rodrigo Duterte to approve the Rice Tariffication Law.
With India which supplies 40% of the Rice available in the World Market imposing a ban on rice exports and Thailand and Vietnam holding on to their stocks to wait for prices to surge, the country which now relies heavily on Rice Imports reaching 3.7-million metric tons every year is feared to suffer heavily.
This video where I explained why it is wrong to depend heavily on importation for the country’s food supply was taken over two years ago when I was Chairman of the Mindanao Development Authority.
But the lessons that I shared are still relevant until today.
It is not too late yet. We could still protect our consumers and help our local food producers by boosting local production.

#BetterLateThanNever!