SP probe up on Iloilo's rice situation
The Committee on Agriculture of the 9th Iloilo Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) is out to conduct an investigation on the real rice scenario in the province.
Pushed by Second District Board Member June Mondejar, the SP action was reached following his privilege speech last Tuesday.
A probe is needed, Board Member Mondejar stressed amidst concern in the forthcoming months.
"I am personally alarmed. I fear for the lean months to come and witness my constituency in Iloilo province lining up in Tindahan Natin outlets and buying only two kilos of rice for a day's consumption and commercial rice is pegged at P50 per kilo!," excerpts of his speech went while adding how worse the situation is nationwide. "The national scenario is something we have to worry about. Family access cards have been issued per household, indelible inks have been applied on fingertips – all of these to ensure that each family gets only their daily rice consumption. This is due to scant NFA rice and skyrocketing prices of commercial rice."
Iloilo though is said to be spared of the crisis with government claims of steady and sufficient rice supply. Mondejar is not so sold to the idea.
"...the NFA claims it has enough supply even for the entire Panay but the 80 Tindahan Natin outlets in Iloilo has only 5 sacks each of NFA rice for a week. If consumers cannot easily avail of commercial rice and will opt to purchase NFA rice currently pegged at P18 per kilo, the question is, will these be enough for rice consumers of Iloilo Province?," he asked.
The SP probe as sought is expected to come up with recommendations in aid of legislation in order to help ensure rice sufficiency in the Province.
"I also propose that aside from the representatives of Department of Agriculture and National Food Authority, the commercial rice traders, and peasant organizations in various municipalities, we will also listen to multisectoral formations and networks, non-governmental and people's organizations that are having an advocacy on food and rice security," Mondejar ended.