Progressive Groups Criticize Marcos Administration Over Rising Hunger and Food Crisis

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Two major progressive groups have condemned the Marcos administration for what they describe as a worsening hunger crisis and a failing local food production system. Their statements follow a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey indicating that 27.2 percent of Filipinos, or about 7.5 million people, experienced hunger in March.

The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) highlighted the prevalence of hunger in farming and fishing communities, labelling it a 'huge insult' for an agricultural nation. Ronnel Arambulo, Vice Chairperson of Pamalakaya, blamed high production costs, market manipulation, and the lack of government support for local producers as contributing factors.

Separately, the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and Amihan National Federation of Peasant Women (AMIHAN) criticized the Department of Agriculture's (DA) decision to lower the suggested retail price of imported rice from P49 to P45 per kilo. AMIHAN Secretary-General Cathy Estavillo argued that the government is focusing on superficial solutions without addressing underlying issues like import dependency and the decline of local production.

KMP Chairperson Danilo Ramos emphasized the need to strengthen local production and advocated for repealing the Rice Liberalization Law. In San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, farmers are reportedly forced to sell newly harvested palay for as little as P13 per kilo, which is unsustainable.

Ramos also denounced the influence of traders and importers over rice prices and supply, accusing the government of failing to combat hoarding, smuggling, and price manipulation. The groups claim that since the law's enactment in 2019, farmers have faced steep price drops while profits favor traders.

Both groups urge for a repeal of the Rice Liberalization Law, reduced reliance on imports, and support for local rice production through guaranteed pricing mechanisms. They argue that true food security means prioritizing local production over importation, seeking an agricultural system focused on the rights and welfare of people rather than corporate profits, reported Manila Bulletin.