BM Donaal’s landmark ordinance protecting Kalinga farmers from unfair trading signed into law

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Rice and corn farmers in Kalinga now have stronger protection against unfair trading practices following the official enactment of an ordinance pushed by Board Member Christopher Donaal.

Entitled the “Kalinga Fair Trade for Farmers Ordinance of 2025,” Provincial Ordinance No. 2025-029 was approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, headed by Vice Governor Dave Odiem, after a series of deliberations. It was later reviewed and signed into law by Governor James Edduba.

The ordinance was drafted by Donaal following repeated complaints from farmers who said some traders allegedly controlled the market, leaving them with no choice but to accept low prices.

In an earlier interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Donaal said he proposed the measure to protect Kalinga farmers, ensuring they receive fair prices for their produce and have the freedom to choose where and to whom they sell.

“Ibagbaga da, adda manalon ditoy Kalinga kanu nga agsagsagaba gapo kadagiti agpilpilit ti presyo. Ti goal tayo ditoy nu apay inproposed tayo daytoy ordinance ket tapno ma-ensure tayo koma nga adda minimum presyo kadagiti produkto ti manalon ditoy Kalinga. Ma-empower dagiti manalon nga adda rights da nga agpili nu sino pangilakuan da,” said the provincial legislator.

In 2025, a series of public consultations was conducted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Agriculture, chaired by Board Member Julius Amla, where farmers, traders, and concerned agencies shared feedback on the proposed measure for its final drafting.

Under the enacted ordinance, anti-competitive practices among traders are prohibited, including price-fixing, market allocation, coercion, exclusive dealing, and fraudulent transactions.

Traders are also required to register and comply with standard weighing, grading, and pricing based on benchmark farmgate prices published by the Provincial Agricultural Office.

A Fair Trade Oversight Committee (FTOC) is created under the ordinance to monitor compliance, investigate farmers’ complaints, and impose sanctions on violators.

According to Donaal, the committee is crucial in providing farmers with a formal body to raise their concerns and ensure their complaints are properly addressed.

Following its enactment, the provincial law will take effect 15 days after its official publication across the province.