Lowering production costs and increasing palay prices are what farmers need – BM Lammawin on Fair Trade for iKalinga Farmers

Tabuk City, Kalinga – In a push to stop unfair rice and corn trading among farmers, Kalinga Board Member (BM) Cammilo Lammawin expressed his support for BM Christopher Dona-al’s proposed ordinance, the “Kalinga Fair Trade for Farmers Ordinance of 2025,” which was discussed during the public consultation of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Committee on Agriculture on October 17, 2025.

The proposed ordinance aims to promote fair trading conditions, prevent market control by only a few entities, and protect the livelihood of rice and corn farmers in the province.

During the consultation, various stakeholders—including SP members, rice farmers, traders, and concerned agencies—discussed the challenges facing the local rice industry and shared recommendations to make the proposed ordinance more responsive to their needs.

In response to the issues raised, BM Lammawin said that despite the challenges, there remain opportunities ahead, emphasizing that unity among farmers can help them move forward.

“Ado dagiti concerns tayo, ngem ado met dagiti pagsayaatan. Nu mai-focus iti panagtignay tayo para iti pagsayaatan, ket sama-sama tayo nga umasenso. Nu kitaen tayo, mannalon tayo met amin, ket we stay on the same level. Agdepdependar tayo laeng iti presyo—iti farming price tayo,” the legislator shared.

Lammawin added that the SP members envision further development of the farming sector by lowering production costs and strengthening partnerships with the DTI, DOST, and the national government to increase productivity and profitability.

“…So I think we are looking into the future of farming development here. It will focus more on lowering costs, and of course, pagtutulungan tayo daytoy—DTI, DOST, and the national government. Ken nu maka-awis tayo ti investors—others can do it, so why can’t we do it in Kalinga? We could have more profit. So ipadas tayo nga pagtitinulongan tapno kasta, maparwar tayo ti volume nga kasapulan,” he added.

Amid rising concerns about palay (rice), Lammawin noted that crop cultivation in the province now extends beyond rice to include corn, vegetables, and other produce, with production levels and farmers’ income remaining significant contributors to the local economy.