Smuggled onions drive local farmers to tears

Nakakaiyak talaga itong mga ganitong smuggled na sibuyas e. Ito ang nagpapahirap sa mga kababayan nating magsasaka na nagsisikap itaguyod ang industriya natin ng agrikultura.

According to Sibuyas ng Pilipinas Ating Alagaan (SIPAG) Foundation officials, an umbrella group of onion-growers, there is a significant surplus with this year's onion production of 124, 900 metric tons and Philippine onion demand only amounts to 101, 200 metric tons annually.

We are following thru with our previous efforts to ensure that the seized onions do not end up in the market as they pose health risks because they have not been subjected to sanitary inspection. It’s bad enough that our local farmers are losing the competition with cheaper smuggled onions.

We urge the BOC and other concerned agencies to prosecute these heartless smugglers and traders that are effectively crippling our economy. We have requested the BOC to give us updates regarding the status of these cases, and we will continue with our efforts. We also urge the private sector to join us and be vigilant in our battle against smuggling.

RP needs to practice what it preaches

We believe that the Philippines can learn from Vietnam's proper implementation of agricultural programs to strengthen its own agricultural sector.

The difference between Vietnam and the Philippines is the effective implementation of their policy. We taught them what they know, so the technology and knowledge are already at hand. What we need is a strong resolve to address agricultural issues that have been hounding us for decades.

For centuries our farmers and fisherfolk have provided us the food we need to survive. It’s time we ensure that their plight is addressed, and the right approach is to up their incomes by providing them the needed support in terms of available credit, infrastructure and facilities, research and development and access to markets for their produce. A strong partnership between government and private sector sharing a common vision of creating a robust and vibrant agriculture and fisheries economy is key."

The Aquino administration in the beginning of its six year term has a golden opportunity to lay down a clear vision for agriculture and fisheries modernization.

We cannot achieve developed nation status in the next 15 years unless we create more jobs and wealth in the agriculture and fisheries sector. The key to food security and sufficiency is to create wealth for our farmers and fisherfolk.



Image taken from Agroviet