Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) | FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — While lauding the efforts of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to sell sugar at P70 per kilo, a lawmaker has reminded the agencies that this is just a stop-gap measure.
In a statement, Senior Deputy Minority Floor Leader and Northern Samar 1st District Rep. Paul Daza said the DA and the SRA should explore long-term measures to ensure that Filipinos are shielded from the stronger dollar’s effects caused prices of goods to soar.
“(While the DA-SRA is) commendable for their course of action, (the measure is) a mere stop-gap on a larger issue: our agricultural sector’s self-sustainability,” Daza said on Wednesday.
“Long-term solutions would ensure that Filipinos are less vulnerable against global crises or the movement of the dollar,” he added.
Last October 12, the DA eyed setting a suggested retail price for sugar, as prices have increased again. In response, both the DA and the SRA announced Monday that a kilo of sugar would be sold at P70 in select SRA offices in Quezon City and Bacolod City.
Based on the SRA’s monitoring, refined sugar prices in supermarkets have ranged from P70 to P134 per kilogram as of October 7.
READ: DA eyes SRP for sugar as prices rise again
READ: P70 per kilo of sugar to be available in select SRA offices
As to how Congress can help achieve self-sufficiency in agriculture and food, Daza said House members could start with their respective districts and invest in several programs like farm-to-market roads and irrigation projects.
“As representatives of the people, we are called to be the architects and stewards of our own agricultural capabilities,” he said.
“Let’s work together to secure a sweeter future for Filipino farmers and families,” he added.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has vowed to focus on food self-sufficiency, expressing worry that the country will not be ready for a food shortage.
READ: Bongbong Marcos says food inadequacy a major reason why agri is admin’s focus
READ: Bongbong Marcos rejects proposal to import add’tl 300,000 MT of sugar
— With reports from Irish Perez, trainee