Tumulak looking for solution on overpriced food supplies

CEBU, Philippines —  With the continuing increase and alleged overpricing of agricultural products here from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and after the onslaught of typhoon Odette, Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak is pushing some measures to solve this problem.

Tumulak in a proposed resolution has urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to help the farmers and fisherfolks recover by giving them subsidy or assistance.

The same resolution also showed Tumulak urging the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine National Police for the strict implementation of the Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act.

Tumulak checked the public markets here and saw for himself the price range.

Tumulak said he is set to visit the government offices mentioned to personally discuss this matter with them.

“Mobisita ta sa ilahang mga opisina…Dako kaayo ni og ikatabang nato sa mga nabiktima sa bagyong Odette ilabi na sa panahon nga nabiktima usab sa pandemya gumikan kay og mous-os na atong mga presyo, atong palaliton dako nig ikatabang sa pamilya, sayod ta nga ang sweldo mao ra gihapon ang kanang atong palaliton pwerteng mahala mao ng sa ingon anang bahin mobarato na gani kitang tanan makabenepisyo,” said Tumulak.

Tumulak is also encouraging producers, farmers and fisherfolks from other localities that were not affected by the recent typhoon to help here.

They can do so by sending some of their produce to Cebu City at “normal prices”, Tumulak said, to deter overpricing and maintain sufficient food supply.

“Duna may mga areas wala maigo sa bagyo naghinobra ang ilahang supply sa pagkaon sama sa mga utanon ug mga isda, awhagon nila ang mga negosyante nga ipadala nila diri sa Sugbo, ari diri ibaligya. Pagkuwang ug pagmahal gyud sa presyo, tanan mga tawo reklamo gyud pwerteng mahala na gikan pa adtong pag pandemic hangtod ron wala’y us-os ang mga utanon, samotan pag bagyo,” ended Tumulak. — Decemay P. Padilla, GMR (FREEMAN)