Alarmed by the increasing conversion of farmlands, Senatorial aspirant Atty. Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. has proposed providing incentives to discourage farmers from selling their lands and to strengthen food sustainability.
During a recent trip to Legazpi, Albay, Abalos engaged with local officials to discuss critical issues including the need for a comprehensive land use plan.
“These incentives, combined with a strong land use plan, will safeguard our agricultural sector and ensure that the country remains food-secure in the long run,” Abalos said.
Abalos underscored the importance of local governments’ comprehensive land use plans that not only safeguard farmlands but also provide much-needed assistance to those who depend on them for their livelihood.
“We have to remember ang lifeline natin ay ang ating food security and food sustainability. Lahat tayo nagreklamo tungkol sa mga gulay, tungkol sa mga presyo na bilihin, ng pagkain. Pero kung hindi natin naaalagaan ang ating mga sakahan baka mag-subdivision lahat yan,” Abalos said.
Abalos proposed a range of measures to help farmers sustain and enhance their agricultural efforts. Among these were property tax breaks for landowners, more comprehensive crop insurance plans, and low or no-interest loans to aid farming operations. He also urged both national and local governments to procure directly from farmers, ensuring stable demand and fair prices for their produce.
Abalos stressed that offering these incentives would encourage landowners to maintain their farmlands and contribute to the country’s overall food stability.
“Infrastructure support should be directed at farmers, and incentives should be given to those who own agricultural lands,” he said.
Abalos also added the importance of providing much-needed support for the children of farmers.
“For the farmers, kaya naman sila napipilitang magbenta ng lupang sakahan ay para sa mga anak nila,” he said.
Abalos suggested prioritizing farmers’ children for admission into state universities and technical-vocational schools, along with extending financial aid or allowances to ease their educational expenses. This support would help farming families maintain their livelihoods without the constant strain of financial burdens.
Abalos had earlier warned that without a national policy to manage land use, the steady decline in agricultural areas could worsen food inflation and compromise national food supply. He vowed to champion the passage into law of the long-overdue National Land Use Act, saying food sustainability the lifeline of the nation and its immediate enactment is critical to securing the country’s future.
