La trinidad: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday assured the public of continued government intervention to stabilize food supply and prices, following disruptions caused by rising fuel costs that have affected the transport of agricultural products.
According to Philippines News Agency, during his visit to the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) in La Trinidad, Benguet, Marcos highlighted several government measures aimed at easing the burden on farmers when selling their produce. He expressed concern over reports indicating that the increase in diesel prices has hindered the transportation of vegetables from the Mountain Province and other mountainous areas.
Marcos noted the removal of toll fees for trucks transporting agricultural commodities, along with the temporary waiver of local government fees, as among the measures undertaken to ease transport costs. He added that diesel prices were reduced by PHP10 through the government's fuel subsidy program to help cushion the impact of rising fuel costs on farmers, traders, and transport operators.
He said these interventions aim to ensure a steady flow of supply while preventing sharp increases in food prices amid global challenges, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Marcos also mentioned that drivers affected by the situation are being included in the Department of Labor and Employment's Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program to provide temporary employment assistance.
Marcos said the government continues to monitor the situation and engage with market stakeholders to identify further necessary interventions. He emphasized the importance of ongoing studies and monitoring to ensure that everyone experiences the government's support during the current challenges, including the crisis resulting from the war in the Middle East.
During his visit to BAPTC, Marcos inspected farm inputs and equipment for distribution to the farmer cooperatives and associations under the Department of Agriculture's High Value Crops Program. He also visited the Spot Trading Building 2 (Wholesale Area), where post-harvest activities are underway, and engaged with farmers and key stakeholders in the Cordillera highland vegetable industry.
