Abalos bats for agri incentives to ensure food security

MANILA, Philippines – Senatorial aspirant Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. has called for providing incentives to farmers as a way to discourage the conversion of agricultural lands into subdivisions.

Abalos made the remark during a recent visit to Legazpi City, Albay, where he met with various local chief executives to discuss pressing issues and propose practical solutions.

Abalos said the local government units’ comprehensive land use plans should focus on protecting farmlands while simultaneously offering support to the people who rely on them for their livelihood.

“These incentives, combined with a strong land use plan, will safeguard our agricultural sector and ensure that the country remains food-secure in the long run,” he said.

Lifeline: Food security

“We have to remember that our lifeline is our food security and food sustainability. We all complain about vegetables, about the prices of goods, of food. But if we don’t take care of our farmlands, they might all end up as subdivisions,” he added in a mix of English and Filipino.

Abalos suggested several incentives that could help farmers maintain and improve their agricultural activities.

These include discounts on real property taxes for agricultural landowners, expanded crop insurance coverage, and zero to minimal-interest loans to support farming operations.

Additionally, he stressed that both the national government and local government units should purchase produce directly from farmers to ensure a steady market and fair pricing for their goods.

Abalos stressed that offering these incentives would encourage landowners to maintain their farmlands and contribute to the country’s overall food stability.

“Infrastructure support should be directed at farmers, and incentives should be given to those who own agricultural lands,” he said.

Supporting farmers’ kids

Abalos also added the importance of providing much-needed support for the children of farmers.

“For the farmers, they are forced to sell their agricultural land for their children,” he said.

Among the proposed forms of support is giving priority to farmers’ children for enrollment in state universities and technical-vocational schools, as well as providing additional financial aid or allowances to these students.

This approach would help ensure that their families can continue farming without the constant pressure of financial difficulties.

Abalos had earlier warned that without a national policy to manage land use, the steady decline in agricultural areas could worsen food inflation and compromise the national food supply.

He vowed to champion the passage into law of the long-overdue National Land Use Act, saying food sustainability is the lifeline of the nation and its immediate enactment is critical to securing the country’s future.