Marcos orders tariff cuts, faster imports, and DA buying of surplus crops
In Manila, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a series of measures aimed at stabilizing food prices amid rising fuel costs linked to tensions in the Middle East.
During a briefing in Malacañang Palace, Marcos directed the Department of Agriculture and the Tariff Commission to reduce tariffs on key imported food items to help bring down consumer prices, while maintaining safeguards to protect local farmers and industries.
He also instructed agencies to speed up the processing of import-related permits, including sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSIC) and Certificates of Necessity to Import, to ensure timely arrival of food supplies.
To further ease supply chain costs, the President ordered the removal of toll fees at fish ports, a move intended to prevent additional price increases in seafood and other commodities.
At the same time, Marcos addressed the issue of oversupply affecting farmers, noting that some are forced to discard produce due to low farmgate prices. He directed the Department of Agriculture to purchase excess harvests to prevent waste and protect farmers from financial losses. These goods will then be distributed to communities with the help of local government units.
The government also plans to expand the Bentang Bigas Program by increasing the number of outlets and extending operating hours, particularly to better serve vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and solo parents.
The measures form part of a broader strategy to balance consumer protection with farmer support, as the country navigates economic pressures driven by high global energy prices.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
