This photo, taken on July 05, 2007, shows workers unloading sacks of rice from the Vietnam cargo ship in the port of Tabaco, Albay. (Edwin Bacasmas/Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines–House Committee on Agriculture and Food Chairman Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga commended Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Tuesday for obtaining a pledge from Vietnam to continue supplying the Philippines with affordable rice.
The commitment was secured during Romualdez’s side meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, with Vuong Dinh Hue, President of the National Assembly of Vietnam. The meeting took place on the eve of the 44th AIPA General Assembly.
“Speaker Romualdez displayed once again why he is the alter ego of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. with the move to secure rice imports at a crucial time for the Philippines. In terms of team sports, this was a clutch move,” Enverga, who represents Quezon province’s 1st District, said.
He also highlighted the ongoing threats to Philippine agriculture, mentioning, “The threat of El Niño is still present despite the recent rains, and we are still trying to boost our crop production. Other countries are restricting their rice importation policies. Speaker Romualdez knows that we need all the help we can get to ensure a stable supply of rice.”
The Quezon province representative expressed gratitude to Vietnam for their commitment. “On behalf of Filipinos, I thank Vietnam for showing that it is a true friend of the Philippines,” said Enverga.