Manila: A member of the House of Representatives committee on local government urged local government units to explore 'rescue buy' operations for farmers' crops to prevent produce dumping due to oversupply. This comes amid reports of crops being discarded, with truckloads of carrots and cabbage reportedly dumped by the roadside in Tublay, Benguet, as farmers struggle with oversupply and a lack of buyers.

According to Philippines News Agency, Abra Lone District Rep. JB Bernos expressed that local government units, as the closest administrative bodies to communities, should take the lead in supporting farmers to ensure their hard work does not go to waste. Bernos suggested that the purchased crops could be distributed to families in need, particularly during times of crisis.

He highlighted existing examples of local government units that buy produce from farmers and distribute it, especially during calamities. These efforts have been implemented during events like typhoons to save both crops and animal produce.

Additionally, Bernos supported Education Secretary Sonny Angara's proposal to incorporate surplus vegetables into the government's expanded school feeding program. Angara noted that the Department of Education is considering ways to use excess fresh vegetables to benefit 4.6 million beneficiaries, including Kindergarten and Grade 1 learners.