Lawmaker launches campaign for rice farmers

CONGRESSMAN Rodante Marcoleta of Sagip Party list launched a nationwide campaign to rescue all rice farmers that may prevent hoarders and smugglers believed to be behind the continuous price hikes.

The project for farmers is dubbed «Ikiskiss mo beybi! adopt a farmer program.»

During its launch held in Barangay Cristo Rey, Capas, Tarlac, Marcoleta offered a fixed price of P35 per kilogram (kg) of well-milled denorado rice to local consumers, P17 lower than the prevailing market price.

Hundreds of locals have lined up, hoping to buy at least 5kg, which they said is enough for two days. The limit aimed to avoid panic buying and hoarding in order to spread its supply to more consumers.

The program is in collaboration with President Ferdinand «Bongbong» Marcos' agenda to achieve food sufficiency and security eventually. «To realize that, we need to amalgamate all patriotic businessmen in the country who can invest in the program even without profit in the process because that is the only way to help out our farmers and consumers as well as our national government,» Marcoleta said.

Local businessman Tony Marfori and members of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce bought palay yields directly from the farmers. The product was dried, properly milled and sold to consumers to a break-even price.

The launching venue was chosen by the congressman because he desired to pay homage to his home province before its massive propagation.