At the Kapihan sa QC forum, Rep. Wilbert Manoy “Wise” Lee highlighted how crucial farmer support is to tackling inflation, especially in light of the recent rice tariff cuts. Lee voiced concerns that local farmers could struggle to compete with the surge of imported products. “Ang mga magsasaka natin ang unang maapektuhan,” he said, stressing that the government should prioritize policies that empower Filipino farmers as the best defense against rising food prices.

Lee also noted that relying too heavily on imports is risky, as global factors like climate change and geopolitical tensions can disrupt food supply. Instead, he advocates for measures to improve local production. His Cheaper Rice Act aims to ensure farmers get fair prices, while his proposed Post-Harvest Facilities Support Act and Kadiwa Agri-Food Terminal Act focus on modernizing the sector to reduce waste, improve quality, and connect farmers directly with markets.

Recently, Lee visited Bulacan to meet with farmers who shared their struggles with inadequate post-harvest facilities. He reaffirmed his commitment to securing the resources farmers need to thrive. “Winner tayo lahat kapag sinusuportahan natin ang mga magsasaka!” he added, emphasizing that increased support for farmers would improve food security, lower prices, and ultimately ease the financial burden on Filipino families.

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