₱20/kilo rice program sisikaping gawing permanente ni Speaker Romualdez 

NANGAKO si Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez na pagaganahin ang buong legislative power ng Kamara para gawing permanente at magtuluy-tuloy ang ₱20 per kilo rice program ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos upang maging mas abot kaya ito sa consumers at mabigyan ng mas mahabang suporta ang mga magsasaka.

Sa isinagawang meeting kina Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. at Undersecretary at Chief of Staff Alvin John Balagbag, sinabi ni Speaker Romualdez na personal niyang ii-sponsor at isusulong ang mga priority reform bills ng Department of Agriculture (DA) sa 20th Congress’ legislative agenda.

“These are not just bills — they are blueprints for lasting change. I will personally sponsor these measures to institutionalize President Marcos’ vision of affordable rice for all and stronger support for our farmers,” deklara ni Romualdez.

Kabilang sa mga dumalo sa pagdinig ay sina House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Mark Enverga (Quezon), House Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe, Deputy Speaker David Suarez (Quezon), Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, Deputy Speaker Antonio Albano (Isabela), House Secretary General Reginald Velasco at Isabela Gov. Rodito Albano III.

Sa mga priority measures na iprinisinta ng DA at inadopt ni Speaker ay kinabibilangan ng Amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) — restoring key regulatory powers to the National Food Authority (NFA) to stabilize prices and protect local production; Livestock Development and Competitiveness Act; Philippine Corn Industry Development Act; Onion Research Center Act; Amendments to RA No. 7308 o Seed Industry Development Act of 1992; at Amendments to the Local Government Code to strengthen agricultural extension services at the LGU level.

“Sisiguruhin natin na may ₱20 per kilo na bigas sa merkado para sa mga nangangailangan — hindi lang ngayon, kundi sa mga susunod pang taon. We will build a system where affordable rice is not a seasonal miracle, but a daily reality,” anang Speaker.

(Vina de Guzman)