‘Mahalaga na suportahan ang ating mga magsasaka dahil kayo ang nagpapakain sa ating lahat’- Sen. Pangilinan assures Kalinga farmers of support in their appeal to repeal RTL

Tabuk City, Kalinga — “Ang trato natin sa mga magsasaka, dapat parang trato natin sa ating mga magulang dahil sila ang nagpapakain sa atin,” said Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan in his message to the farmers of Kalinga who continue to call for the repeal of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), which they say has adversely affected their livelihood.

Pangilinan’s message was delivered through a recorded video during the Farmers’ Forum held on October 27 at the Kalinga Astrodome. The event formed part of the consultation for the proposed Kalinga Fair Trade for Farmers Ordinance of Board Member Christopher Dona-al, which seeks to ensure that farmers get fair prices for their rice and corn produce.

Pangilinan, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, said he fully understands the growing frustration among farmers affected by the RTL and the rampant agricultural smuggling that continues to drive down the farmgate price of palay (unmilled rice).

“Nais ko pong tiyakin sa inyo na maaari tayong makipagtulungan sa ating lalawigan ng Kalinga para sa mga interventions at suporta para sa ating mga farmers. Mahalaga na suportahan ang ating mga magsasaka dahil kayo ang nagpapakain sa ating lahat,” Pangilinan said.

The senator added that his office is open for partnership and coordination with the provincial and city governments to strengthen agricultural interventions and deliver more support to Kalinga farmers.

“Bilang Chairman ng Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, handa tayong makipag-ugnayan sa inyong lalawigan, sa inyong local government—provincial and city government—para magkaroon ng mas malaki pang suporta at interventions na makakatulong sa ating agri sector sa lalawigan ng Kalinga,” he concluded.

Farmers across the country continue to appeal for a law that genuinely protects them rather than burdens them. In Kalinga, Board Member Dona-al’s proposed Fair Trade Ordinance has emerged as a beacon of hope for farmers, aiming to protect them from unfair pricing, shield them from exploitative trading practices, and promote equitable partnerships among producers, traders, and consumers.