House reviews agri sector preparedness amid Middle East tensions
MANILA — The House of Representatives on Tuesday conducted a briefing with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its attached agencies to assess government readiness in protecting the agriculture sector from the economic effects of escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The discussion, led by the House Committee on Agriculture and Food chaired by Mark Enverga, focused on contingency measures to support farmers, maintain stable food supply chains, and manage potential increases in agricultural prices.
Enverga emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that rising fuel costs, logistics challenges, and increasing prices of farm inputs could directly affect food production and the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos.
He added that the review supports the directive of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen food security and ensure a proactive response to global uncertainties.
Lawmakers also expressed concern over possible disruptions in global supply chains, particularly in critical routes like the Strait of Hormuz, which could impact fertilizer supply and agricultural productivity.
Roger Navarro said ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States are already affecting global energy and trade markets.
He warned that rising oil and fertilizer prices could disrupt agricultural supply chains worldwide, posing risks to both food affordability and availability in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, U-Nichols Manalo outlined the government’s response, which includes financial assistance and fuel subsidies for farmers and fisherfolk.
Under the PHP10-billion Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk program in the 2026 budget, about 4.17 million beneficiaries are expected to receive support starting May. Each farmer may receive around PHP2,325, with rice farmers getting aid through digital transfers and others through distribution caravans.
To cushion the impact of rising fuel prices, the DA will also provide subsidies of PHP5,000 per farmer and PHP3,000 per fisher.
Manalo noted that the agricultural sector consumes over 505 million liters of fuel annually—worth more than PHP41 billion—highlighting its vulnerability to global oil price fluctuations.
Enverga said lawmakers will continue to evaluate whether current measures are sufficient as farmers and fisherfolk face increasing costs and supply uncertainties.
He stressed that the goal is to ensure protection for producers, maintain stable food supply, and prepare the country for any further escalation of global risks.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
