Photo courtesy of Inquirer

 

In the wake of financial challenges faced by rice farmers on Negros Island, the Department of Agriculture in the Negros Island Region (DA-NIR) is working to increase the buying price of palay, or unmilled rice. This move aims to provide crucial support to the local farming community.

 

Jose Albert Barrogo, the regional director of DA-NIR, highlighted that current buying prices of palay by traders hover between PHP 12 and PHP 15 per kilo. This range falls short of the average production cost, approximately PHP 14.50 per kilo (around THB 9.20), leading to substantial financial pressure on farmers.

 

The DA-NIR’s target is to elevate the buying price to PHP 18 per kilo (about THB 11.40), which would enable farmers to achieve a sustainable income. Barrogo expressed that this adjustment is essential for ensuring the well-being of the agricultural sector on the island.

 

To realise this goal, DA-NIR is actively collaborating with the EcoAgri Foundation, an organisation under the leadership of Ramon Uy Sr. This partnership is exploring strategic measures to enhance the economic viability of local farming practices.

 

Part of the broader strategy includes the Philippine government's two-month rice importation ban, kicking off on 1st September. This ban is specifically timed to coincide with the peak harvesting season, intending to protect and prioritise local farmers by stabilising the domestic market.

 

Farmers in Negros are optimistic this season, anticipating a bumper harvest. Despite recent heavy rains, crop damage has been minimal, allowing farmers to prepare for a potentially high yield. The second week of September is expected to see a notable increase in rice supply as the harvest ramps up.

 

The timing and success of these initiatives are crucial. By aligning government policy with direct market interventions, DA-NIR aims to create an environment where farmers are not only protected but positioned to thrive in a challenging economic landscape.

 

These efforts underscore the importance of a sustainable agricultural economy, with the hope that increased palay prices will offer much-needed relief and stability for farmers in Negros and beyond. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these measures will impact the livelihoods of those at the heart of the island's rice production.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Inquirer 2025-09-03

 

 

I wonder what the inhabitants of Negros island are called. 

16 minutes ago, mogandave said:

I wonder what the inhabitants of Negros island are called. 

Negrenses

Why hasnt it been renamed?

2 hours ago, Yagoda said:

Why hasnt it been renamed?

Because the Negrenses don't have a problem

I thought I was briefly tranported back to the 18th century.

 

How disappointing to be here again.

33 minutes ago, Stocky said:

Because the Negrenses don't have a problem

So what? Why arent their Washington Redskins anymore? UN Commission on Human Rights! Blame Israel.

12 hours ago, Yagoda said:

Why hasnt it been renamed?

 

Because "negro" means "black" in Tagalog.  It's white Americans have a collective guilt that makes them uncomfortable with the word.  In the case of the US "negro" is borrowed from the Spanish, meaning (you've guessed it) "black".

12 hours ago, Yagoda said:

Why arent their Washington Redskins anymore?

What on earth has some c rappy American gridiron team got to do with it?

8 hours ago, Stocky said:

What on earth has some c rappy American gridiron team got to do with it?

Learn about the word irony.

 

Yes they do suck too.

17 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

Learn about the word irony.

Well it might be considered ironic that Negrenses are accepting of their island being called Negros, whilst at the same time Americans are changing the name of the Washington Redskins, if the connotations were the same, they're not, they only appear that way from your American viewpoint.

4 minutes ago, Stocky said:

Well it might be considered ironic that Negrenses are accepting of their island being called Negros, whilst at the same time Americans are changing the name of the Washington Redskins, if the connotations were the same, they're not, they only appear that way from your American viewpoint.

Wow LOL. Try again. Irony is lost on you, want me to explain it? Read my whole comment.

Most people call them Filipinos. Only right wing MAGA types seem to get excited & agitated about the name Negros.  However on the off chance some of you read, or can read. I've always thought this book could be used as a template for a kicking novel about Thailand. There are disturbing similarities. 
Cheers



 

On 9/3/2025 at 6:38 PM, Yagoda said:

Why hasnt it been renamed?

Why should Negros (NAY-gros) be renamed?   

EDIT:  Ok, ok, just seen your "irony" explanation.

33 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

Wow LOL. Try again. Irony is lost on you, want me to explain it? Read my whole comment.

I'm a Brit, we understand irony, our transatlantic cousins on the other hand do not.

 

But, please, please, do explain. 

 

Thanks for the thumbs down 

20 minutes ago, Stocky said:

I'm a Brit, we understand irony, our transatlantic cousins on the other hand do not.

 

But, please, please, do explain. 

 

Thanks for the thumbs down 

OK.

 

Island/Football team has Non Woke Name

Some Folks Dont like Non Woke Name

Islanders and Fans Like Name

So what, pressure to change name anyway

 

On 9/3/2025 at 6:14 PM, mogandave said:

I wonder what the inhabitants of Negros island are called. 

 

N*gg**s

33 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

OK.

 

Island/Football team has Non Woke Name

Some Folks Dont like Non Woke Name

Islanders and Fans Like Name

So what, pressure to change name anyway

 

As I said, that's a western perspective, the Negrenses wouldn't know what you're talking about, there is no irony.

13 minutes ago, Stocky said:

As I said, that's a western perspective, the Negrenses wouldn't know what you're talking about, there is no irony.

Never mind 

On 9/3/2025 at 5:53 PM, snoop1130 said:

faced by rice farmers on Negros

I thought cotton was the big thing over there.