‘Nu kailangan nga agpa-escort ti police dagitoy nga traders ket isu ti aramiden tayo,’ – Gov. Edduba on threats against outside rice traders coming to Kalinga with higher buying price

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Amid concerns over unfair pricing and market access, Governor James S. Edduba said that if reports are true that there are threats against palay buyers from outside the province who intend to purchase the rice produce of Kalinga farmers at higher prices, he will request police escorts for them.

The governor made the statement during a farmers’ forum held on Monday, October 27, at the Capitol Gymnasium in Bulanao, attended by various rice and corn farmers, traders, and representatives from national and local agencies who voiced their concerns on issues affecting their livelihood.

Addressing the crowd, Gov. Edduba said he was informed that traders from Isabela were reportedly hesitant to enter Kalinga due to the possible existence of a cartel—referring to groups of traders or businesses allegedly colluding to manipulate prices or limit competition.

“Dagiti traders nga taga-Isabela ket haan nga makauneg nga umay gumatang ditoy. Adda ti kasla cartel ditoy. Butbutngen da dagiti taga-Isabela isu nga mabuteng da nga sumrek ket agpatingga da lang, isunga kunak, masapol nga maamwan tayo daytoy. Nu kailangan nga agpa-escort ti police dagitoy nga traders ket isu ti aramiden tayo,” Edduba said.

Edduba further noted that sariwa or freshly harvested palay sells for ₱14 per kilo in Isabela, while in Kalinga it is only ₱8 per kilo, calling the price gap a major concern for farmers.

“Agasem ngay ti sariwa idiay Isabela ket 14 pesos, tapos ditoy ili tayo ket 8 pesos. Agasem ngay ti deperensiya na diyay—dakkel diyay nga banag para kanyatayo ng mannalon,” he added.

The governor assured the farmers and members of the Committee on Agriculture of his full support and emphasized the need to implement immediate measures to assist local farmers, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting their welfare.

The farmers’ forum was held in connection with the proposed ordinance authored by Board Member Chris Donaal, titled “Kalinga Fair Trade for Farmers Ordinance of 2025,” which seeks to promote fair trading conditions, prevent market control by a few entities, and safeguard the livelihood of rice and corn farmers in the province.