House to double efforts vs agri smuggling in 2nd regular session — Romualdez

This undated photo from the Bureau of Customs shows a container filled with smuggled onions at the Mindanao Container Terminal Port in Tagolan, Misamis Oriental.

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives will double its efforts against agricultural smuggling as protecting farmers is vital to ensuring food security, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Monday.

“It is equally imperative to address the issues confronting our agricultural sector in the soonest possible time. We will redouble our efforts to stop the smuggling of rice, sugar, and onions, which harms our farmers’ competitiveness and disrupts the agricultural value chain,” he said.

“We shall safeguard our farmers’ interests, ensure equitable market conditions, and foster sustainable farming methods to ensure our nation’s food security,” he added.

Romualdez said that the House would increase the strategic agriculture and fisheries development zones (SAFDZ) to ensure that the country can keep up in its fight against smuggling.

“In addition to our priority measures and in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to sustainable fisheries, we will increase the existing [SAFDZ],” Romualdez said.

“These zones will not only reinforce our fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing but also promote responsible fishing practices, safeguard our marine resources, and support the livelihoods of our fisherfolk,” he said.

During the first regular session, the House committee  on agriculture and food conducted an extensive hearing to investigate allegations of agricultural smuggling in the country, particularly onions.

 gsg/abc