MASIPAG National Coordinator Cris Panerio was interviewed in GMA News TV’s Balitanghali on Sept. 6, 2019.
“The Rice Tariffication Law made things worse for the poor farmers,” said Mr. Panerio. “President Duterte’s pronouncement that the NFA should buy the palay from the farmersis just a knee-jerk reaction because what should be done is to repeal the RTL.”
Even the Php 10 billion supposed support from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) will not be enough to prop up the dying rice industry.
Mr. Panerio reiterated the call to repeal the RTL (or the Republic Act 11203) and instead focus on strengthening the agriculture sector and the farmers’ organizations through organic agriculture. #