Title: Rebuild Agriculture

I. Introduction

The sector of agriculture in the Philippines has a major problem. It is like a wound that has been
continually ignored and left unbothered. This wound has been festering for long enough. The
government's efforts have been like a band aid that is hastily plastered unto the wound without a care
for risks of infection. In other words, a temporary solution for a major, long-term problem. This serious
problem affects numerous people across the country from the grievances of our farmers, the backbone
of the country, to the people affected by high prices of food, the impoverished. It is time for a change,
the people of the Philippines have suffered enough. This manifesto is a declaration of change, a change
to the current state of the agricultural sector of our country, our purpose is to communicate a vision of a
better agricultural system for the sake of the country and its people.

II. Problems involving Sector of Agriculture

The Sector of Agriculture has an important role in food security, sustaining livelihoods, and contributing
to economic growth of the country. Despite being one of the primary contributors to economy and
society, the Sector of Agriculture faces many challenges such as high inflation, natural disasters, climate
change, and even global conflicts like the Russo-Ukranian war through the increase of oil prices. As the
farmers continue to experience these problems without any proper assistance, this will result in the
migration of rural farmers to urban areas to look for better job opportunities. The sector also has an
inefficient transportation system, as farmers look to sell their harvests, inefficient transportation disrupts
the movement of produce to markets, causing delays which in turn reduce the quality of fresh food and
increase risk of spoilage. Additionally, higher transportation costs increase the price of products for
consumers. Without government aid and continual neglect of the sector these issues will continue to
worsen and even cause countless other issues to rise.

2. Farmers’ Suffering, Exploitation of Middlemen, and Cycle of Debt

Farmers are the backbone of the country; they guarantee the food security of all Filipinos. They play too
big of a part in feeding the people, their importance in the agricultural sector is undoubted. Without the
presence of farmers in a country, it would cause nation-wide famines and mass starvation. Despite their
essential role, farmers continue to be the poorest of the poor. According to PSA, poverty rates among
farmers is at 30 percent, meaning one in three farmers live below the poverty threshold.

One of the main causes of poverty among farmers is due to lack of financing to buy seeds, fertilizers, and
other essential farm inputs, this causes them to turn to money lenders that charge exceedingly high
interest rates, with some being as high as 20%. This is caused by lack of financial knowledge and access
to formal credit institutions due to high transportation costs and due to most banks being far from rural
areas. According to Bangkong Sentral ng Pilipinas (2020), they were able to set aside P6.5 trillion of total
loanable funds for agriculture and agrarian reform credit under Republic Act 10000 also known as Agri-
Agra Reform Credit Act of 2009. However, banks were only able to loan 6% for the entirety of the
agricultural sector, which is only 10% of the compliance rate. This undercompliance is due to banks
hesitating to lend money to farmers because of their vulnerability to natural disasters, low profitability,
and other factors. Even if farmers were able to acquire the resources to begin planting, they will once
again face even more problems during farming season. Climate change is the primary reason for this,
with global temperatures being on the rise, it can lead to reduced crop yields. While extreme weather
events like typhoons, floodings can cause most of the crops to be lost to the weather, or in worse cases
total crop loss. Given that farmers can reach the point of harvesting their crops, they still face the
difficulty of selling their products, with most farmers attaining only a low level of education they are
exploited by middlemen who buy their products at low prices and sell products at higher prices to
consumers. Some accounts say these so called “businessmen” purchase rice for P15 per kilogram with
some going as low as P9 per kilogram which they then sell to consumers at the market for P40 and
above. Farmers have no choice but to give in, this can be mainly attributed to farmer’s limited choices
but also lack of financial education and information of market trends and demands. The goverment may
have been offering assistance but due to lack of information dissemination only few can access to the
government offers and some agencies are making it hard for the small farmers to qualify for their said
offer or assistance. Farmers find it difficult to escape this cycle of debt and thus continue to be one of the
poorest groups in the Philippines.

III. Our Demands and the Demands of All

Increasing gate prices can be a complex decision that impacts both producers and consumers. Raising
prices might help farmers and producers cover their costs and invest in better farming practices.
However, it could also make it more challenging for consumers to afford fresh produce. Striking a balance
is key to ensuring the sustainability of the agricultural sector while keeping food accessible. Government
subsidies or support programs might be necessary to alleviate the financial burden on consumers while
supporting farmers.

2. Removal of Exploitative Middlemen

Middlemen also play a role in the market, while they do provide some benefits such as offering farmers
access to markets, providing logistics, and making it easier to sell farm outputs. However, the very same
middlemen exploit small-scale farmers, buying low and selling high to consumers. In biology, middlemen
and farmers have the relationship of “symbiotic”, however, some middlemen are greedy and turn this
symbiotic relationship into a “parasitic” relationship. A law that cracks down on these parasitic
middlemen will greatly alleviate the financial situation of farmers and also reduce market prices of
products.

3. Building Infrastructure

Building infrastructure can greatly boost agricultural productivity. Improved infrastructure, such as better
roads for efficient transportation systems, storage facilities that can hold products to reduce the risks of
food spoilage and infestation of pests, and irrigation systems to improve crop yield, makes sure that
produce reaches the market on time and of high quality. Collaborations between the government and
farmers can help achieve this goal.

4. Decrease the Prices of Farm Inputs

Decreasing the prices of seeds and fertilizers is important for making farming more affordable and
profitable. Lower input costs can help small-scale farmers invest in better-quality seeds and fertilizers,
leading to higher yields. This, in turn, can reduce food prices and improve food security. Government
policies, such as subsidies and bulk purchasing programs, can play a crucial role in making these inputs
more affordable. Additionally, supporting research and development in agricultural innovations can lead
to the creation of cost-effective, sustainable alternatives for farmers.

IV. The Conclusion

The state of agriculture in our country is no longer a matter of economy, but also a matter of human
lives. Farmers were essentially slaving away their whole life in the cycle of debt. It is not only the
economy that is affected but every aspect of the country. The people demand substantial reforms, not
superficial solutions that will “solve” the problem. The people have had enough of band-aid solutions to
this problem. The people demand a government that listens, that acts, and that serves the needs of its
people. From increasing farmgate prices and removing exploitative middlemen, to building infrastructure
and reducing the cost of farm inputs, these are the necessary steps that will not only transform the
agricultural sector but will restore hope to millions of Filipino farmers.