“Kalinga Fair Trade Ordinance” proceeds to third reading — Board Member Dona-al

Tabuk City, Kalinga — Following the farmers’ forum held on Monday, October 27, where rice and corn farmers voiced their concerns on issues affecting their livelihood, Board Member Christopher Dona-al said the proposed Kalinga Fair Trade Ordinance now stands on a stronger foundation.

Dona-al, author of the measure, shared that the ordinance is scheduled for its third reading during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session on October 28 at the Legislative Building.

During the forum, farmers, traders, local officials, and representatives from concerned agencies discussed the various challenges faced by Kalinga farmers—particularly the low buying prices of palay (unmilled rice) and corn, which the ordinance seeks to address.

Other issues raised included the low farmgate prices, rice trade monopoly, limited procurement volume of the National Food Authority (NFA), as well as problems related to Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) registration and unimplemented irrigation projects, which, according to one farmer, had already been validated.

In his message, Dona-al said he crafted the ordinance to protect Kalinga farmers from unfair market manipulation, promote transparency among buyers and sellers, and strengthen provincial support for the agricultural sector.

He also discussed the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), which affects farmgate prices, and explained the implications of Executive Order No. 100, recently signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

However, Dona-al pointed out that while EO 100 offers some hope, it still falls short of fully addressing the struggles of Filipino farmers, as it does not completely prohibit rice importation—one of the main factors driving down the price of locally produced palay.

“Medyo ada pag-asa tayo ditoy EO 100. Makitkitkita tayo nga napintas met ta inlablaban da diay Senate ket pinirmaan iman ni Apo Presidente. Makita da nga talaga agsangit dan nga manalon. Ngem ti dakes nalang ditoy, para kanyak, haan na nga totally innekat ti importasyon. Mabalin lata nga ituloy dan to manen dayta importation…. Daytoy nga EO 100 haan na inamedaran diay RTL. Enkkan na lang ti bassit nga pageggeman dagitoy manalon,” Dona-al said.

Provincial officials present at the forum included Governor James S. Edduba, Board Member Julius Amla, Emilio Kitongan, and Romeo Saclag, who serve as the chairman and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Agriculture, respectively.

According to Dona-al, the insights gathered from the forum will be vital in finalizing the Kalinga Fair Trade for Farmers Ordinance before its passage.