Bong Go stresses importance of food security

MANILA, Philippines — Former special assistant to the president Christopher “Bong” Go yesterday stressed the importance of ensuring the country’s food security.

Go also welcomed the results of a recent survey showing a significant drop in the hunger rate among Filipinos in the fourth quarter of 2018.

“The survey proved that President Duterte is serious about fulfilling his promise to improve the life of every Filipino, and we are beginning to feel the fruits of his policies and programs,” Go said in Filipino. 

The survey showed 10.5 percent experienced involuntary hunger at least once in the past three months, a significant drop from the 13.3 percent experiencing hunger in the September 2018 survey. 

Likewise, the hunger rate for 2018 was pegged at 10.8 percent – the lowest since the seven percent hunger rate recorded in 2003.

On Thursday, Malacañang said the survey result on hunger is among the reasons why President Duterte continues to win the trust and approval of the Filipino people.

Go, a senatorial candidate in the 2019 elections, said the government must sustain the crucial effort towards achieving food security. He vowed to support the administration’s programs to improve agricultural production in the country.

Food security is among the priorities Go has listed in his legislative agenda. 

Among others, Go is proposing to establish TienDA Malasakit stores in key cities to provide consumers with fresh and cheaper food commodities. Conceptualized by the Department of Agriculture, a TienDA Malasakit store offers agricultural produce at farm gate prices.

Go is also proposing to provide farmers and fisherfolk with easy access to farm and fishery inputs, such as machinery, fertilizers, seeds, irrigation and low-interest credit facilities to increase their productivity.

In addition, he also wants expert assistance for farmers and fisherfolk, such as business and skills training, to further increase their income.

To encourage children of farmers to remain in the agricultural sector, Go is seeking to provide them with scholarship grants and similar incentives. In addition, he wants to include barangay agriculture as a subject in the curriculum of elementary and secondary school students.

Go is also considering the idea of establishing a national Farmers’ and Fishers’ Pension Fund for retiring workers in the agricultural sector, providing financial security to farmers and fishers who are too old to work. 

He is also pushing for improved medical services, including the establishment of Malasakit Centers throughout the country to improve access to quality health care of people in rural areas.