Former DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos made a strong appeal for comprehensive food security programs and expanded support for farmers during the Alyansa press conference in Tagum City. Abalos stressed the urgency of enhancing sustainable agricultural practices, expanding crop insurance coverage, and providing direct assistance to the agriculture sector to protect the nation’s food supply.
“Food security is critical to our country’s future,” Abalos said. “Just imagine how many LGUs we have across the Philippines—each one represents a ready market for our farmers. We must maximize this potential to help them thrive and ensure food on every family’s table.”
Drawing from his experience as a former mayor, Abalos shared a successful initiative in Aliaga where he helped farmers overcome market barriers and avoid wastage of their produce.
“Sa Aliaga, noong alkalde pa ako, halos tinatapon na lang ang mga kalabasa dahil wala nang bibili,” he recalled. “Ang ginawa ko ay binili namin ang produce ng mga magsasaka at ipinasa ang gastos sa trucking at iba pang logistics sa aming mga residente. Malaking tulong ito hindi lang sa mga magsasaka kundi pati sa mga mamamayan.”
Abalos encouraged other local government units to adopt similar programs, emphasizing that direct support eliminates middlemen and creates a stable market for agricultural products.
In response to the growing threat of climate change, Abalos called for expanding the scope of crop insurance to cover all crops, not just rice and corn. He pointed out that many farmers suffer significant losses due to typhoons, droughts, and other climate-related disasters, with no safety net to protect their livelihood.
“Napakaraming taniman ang hindi saklaw ng kasalukuyang crop insurance program. Kung gusto nating protektahan ang ating mga magsasaka at palakasin ang ating food security, kailangan nating palawigin ito,” Abalos added.
He also pushed for institutionalized financial support for farmers, particularly through accessible and affordable credit programs that would help them invest in better seeds, technology, and equipment.
Recognizing the long-term impact of education, Abalos advocated for scholarship programs and vocational training for the children of farmers. He highlighted that equipping them with education and skills will open new opportunities and help lift their families out of poverty.
“Kapag ang mga anak ng magsasaka ay nabigyan ng edukasyon at kaalaman, mas malaki ang posibilidad na maiahon nila ang kanilang pamilya sa kahirapan,” he stressed.
Abalos urged national and local leaders to prioritize food security and farmer support as central pillars of their development plans. He called on stakeholders from the public and private sectors to collaborate in providing farmers with the necessary tools and resources to succeed.
“We have the power to create lasting change, but we must act now. The future of our country’s food security depends on how well we support our farmers today,” he concluded.
