Containing the C-RICE-sis
For the past weeks, we have seen the dramatic surge in the prices of local commodities, particularly that of rice, our country’s staple food. The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics recently stated that the price of Well Milled Rice (WMR) has rapidly increased from last week’s 30.64/kg to its current price of 32.18/kg. Furthermore, last year’s original price amounts to only 24.14/kg, hence indicating a sudden increase of 35.68% within the year. These numbers have translated into increased alarm and distress among the people, particularly among those who live with meager salaries and limited access to resources. Manifestation of such has been observed from private groups who dazedly hoard stocks for their own benefit, to families who continually crowd markets, in hope of availing cheap NFA rice. These, along with other imminent setbacks from the agricultural sector point that indeed, a problem exists – a point of conflict, which, if not given necessary attention, may lead to further political turmoil and deep social unrest.
The problem, although wide in scope, may principally be rooted in the ineffectiveness of our local institutions to carry out correspondingly viable solutions. While we acknowledge the far-reaching adverse effects of some global phenomena such as climate change and increased consumption, we must also highlight the problems of our local agricultural sector. The inadequacy of irrigation systems, the lack of commercialized rice seedlings and the alarming decrease in the number of fertile lands continue to persist. Moreover, the government’s inability to strengthen the NFA results to the perpetuating collusion of private companies, who monopolize the rice industry. These problems remain unaddressed mainly because of the fact that the agricultural sector, up to now, receives insufficient budget from the government.
We, the CSSP Student Council 2008-2009, believe that measures should have been taken to lessen the grave impacts we are suffering as a consequence of this rice shortage. On the local level, agricultural policies should have been implemented properly not only to sustain our domestic needs for food but more so to ensure the welfare of our farmers. Consequently, we call not only for a comprehensive agrarian reform program but ultimately, for a genuine agrarian reform law – one that will best serve the interests of the farmers rather than that of the landlords, who for years, have resorted to desperate ways to maintain hold on their properties. Also, government agencies must be sufficiently empowered in order for them to actually carry out their respective functions. Globally, we urge the government to review and evaluate existing trade agreements, along with the country’s current status with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. National interest must be the core consideration of our legislators, not the selfish motives and interests of the few.
The problem is not simply about having less food to eat, nor is it just about lacking a basic commodity; the problem is about how this issue has pervaded through the social, cultural and economic spheres of our society. As students of a college that prides itself in its long tradition of critical thinking and active involvement, we ought to take the crucial first steps towards awareness and participation. From the simplest deed of finishing our food, to the act of calling for a more responsible government, we can respond to the issue. By simply recognizing our roles as scholars for the country, we can make a difference.
1 Bureau of Agricultural Statistics <http://www.bas.gov.ph/ amsad_price1.php>
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