Category Archives: Agriculture

Philippines No. 1 Rice Exporter?

Turning the Philippines from a leading rice importer to an exporter seems like a Herculean task, but fear not, for we have a foolproof plan! 

Step one: Let’s eradicate all rice-based cottage industries because who needs suman, bilo-bilo, or bibingka anyway? Sacrifices must be made for the greater good of rice exports, right? 

Step two: Say goodbye to those pesky Camella subdivisions and hello to endless rice fields. Who needs modern housing when you can have fields of golden grains as far as the eye can see? 

Step three: Make it illegal for Mang Inasal and other restaurants to offer unli rice. Hey, it might even significantly reduce the incidence of diabetes and obesity among Filipinos.

Step four: Direct the Land Bank and others to accept carabaos as collateral for rice farmers to apply for a loan to purchase tractors and other modern agricultural equipment.

Finally, step five: Let’s hit rewind and repeal the Rice Tariffication Law because who needs pro-business economic policies when you can turn the country to the No. 1 world rice exporter?

With these brilliant strategies in place, the Philippines will surely become the envy of rice exporters worldwide. Because who needs diversity, cottage industries, or sensible legislation when you can have fields of rice stretching to the horizon?

New Agriculture Secretary: Who Needs Money When You Already Have A Lot Of Money?

Ah, the appointment of Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as the Agriculture Secretary, a shining example of the Philippines’ government taking nepotism to new heights! 

Critics were quick to point out his generous P30 million contribution to Bongbong Marcos’ presidential campaign, but what’s a little quid pro quo among friends, right? After all, it’s not like this is the first time a Cabinet appointee owed their position to their support for Marcos. 

What truly sets Laurel apart, though, is his billionaire status (he claims that he’s now just a millionaire). Yes, you heard it right; he’s not just a lowly millionaire like the rest of us peasants. Clearly, when you’re that wealthy, you don’t need to use your government position to amass more wealth, right? I mean, who needs ethics and accountability when you can just drown your worries in your gold-plated swimming pool?

So, let’s not be too harsh on Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. Maybe, just maybe, he’s in it for the love of public service.

And let’s not forget. He’s mostly likely the most qualified among the potential choices.

Senator Cynthia Villar: The ‘BOBOtization’ Of The Filipino

In her recent statement that Filipinos are “bobo” for importing chemical fertilizer, Senator Cynthia Villar seems to have conveniently forgotten her pivotal role in the Rice Tariffication Law, a piece of legislation that opened the floodgates for private trader- imported rice, crippling our own rice farmers. It’s almost comical to witness the audacity of a person who champions one form of importation while vilifying another.

One must marvel at the cognitive dissonance required to simultaneously condemn imported fertilizer and endorse imported rice, as if the interests of Filipino farmers can be selectively championed. Perhaps Sen. Villar has a keen sense of irony and has decided to master the art of the double standard. (And let us not forget that Villar is no fan of research!)

If only she could fertilize her memory with the knowledge of her own legislative history, perhaps she would refrain from labeling the very people she’s impacted with her own decisions as “bobo.” 

Alas, the satirical paradox prevails, and the hypocrisy of it all remains a bitter harvest for Filipino farmers.