THE Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) on Thursday pressed the Department of Agriculture (DA) to explain the delayed release of fertilizer subsidies, warning that the problem may be linked to possible “ghost deliveries.”
Sinag chairman Rosendo So said farmers in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Mimaropa have yet to receive the government subsidy that was supposed to be distributed in June, at the start of the planting season. The delays, he said, are compounding the struggles of farmers who are reeling from a string of typhoons earlier this year., This news data comes from:http://www.redcanaco.com
“Are there ghost deliveries of fertilizer subsidies in this situation?” So asked during Wednesday’s Senate agriculture committee hearing. “As we approach the end of August, there’s still no fertilizer subsidy in some areas, while other regions have already received theirs.”
He noted that unlike last year when subsidies were released on time and coincided with better palay prices, farmers this year face both lower prices and a lack of government support. He added that fertilizer contracts had already been secured as early as May, raising questions about the delay.
Sen. Raffy Tulfo, who attended the hearing, backed calls for urgent government action, stressing the need for timely delivery not only of fertilizers but also seedlings, equipment, and post-harvest facilities.
Local leaders have also joined the clamor. In a letter dated Aug. 26, La Union Gov. Mario Eduardo Ortega asked Sinag to intervene with the DA, saying the timely release of subsidies was critical to restoring farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring food security. Similarly, Manaoag, Pangasinan Mayor Jeremy Agerico Rosario, who heads the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Pangasinan Chapter, appealed on Aug. 22 for immediate support, citing the rising cost of fertilizers.
Group presses DA on delayed fertilizer subsidies
So said Sinag is coordinating with provincial leaders to determine how widespread the delays are, adding that concerns have already been raised by the governor of Isabela.
“The government should act swiftly,” he said. “Farmers cannot afford to wait any longer for the support promised to them.”
Group presses DA on delayed fertilizer subsidies
The Manila Times sought a statement from the DA but received no reply as of press time.
- Palace hits Discayas over ‘misinformation’ on PH film center project
- Indonesia protests put spotlight on paramilitary police force
- Brawner tells troops: Stop Chinese from entering Sierra Madre at all cost
- Macron says 26 countries pledge troops as a reassurance force for Ukraine after war ends
- Lacson clears air over conflict with Marcoleta on flood control probe
- New judge to handle Dengvaxia cases named; hearing set
- 'Strangest' dinosaur covered in spiked armory – scientists
- PH to host seafarers’ welfare forum
- DPWH to revisit budget, to complete revisions within 2 weeks
- 'Mockery of science': US experts blast Trump climate report
