Abalos to hold dialogue with farmers in Nueva Ecija

Benhur Abalos

MANILA, Philippines – Former Interior Secretary and now senatorial candidate Atty. Benhur Abalos Jr. has welcomed the invitation of former Magsasaka party-list Representative Atty. Argel Cabatbat to visit Guimba, Nueva Ecija, to engage in dialogue with local farmers and farmworkers.

“I gladly accept Atty. Argel Cabatbat’s invitation to visit Guimba, Nueva Ecija, and speak with our farmers. I am sincerely grateful for your invitation,” Abalos said.

Benhur Abalos with supporter

Abalos’s response follows Cabatbat’s call for him to consult directly with farmers regarding his proposed amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).

“I am open to personally listening to the grievances of those who plant and feed our nation,” Abalos said. “If it requires me to travel to Guimba to hear their stories, I will do it. Every discussion should be anchored on the goal of improving the lives of those who sustain our agriculture.”

Abalos is set to meet with farmers in Guimba, Nueva Ecija, on Tuesday to discuss their struggles and the impact of the Rice Tariffication Law.

The senatorial candidate reiterated his commitment to support meaningful reforms in the agricultural sector.

Part of Abalos’s platform includes bolstering support for farmers through measures such as reduced land taxes, expanded crop insurance coverage, and low-interest loans.

Additionally, he advocates for prioritizing the education of farmers’ children in state universities and colleges (SUCs), along with providing financial allowances.

Benhur Abalos

Abalos is also pushing for amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law to better protect the welfare of local farmers while strengthening the mandate of the National Food Authority (NFA).

According to Abalos, the NFA’s authority to buy and sell rice must be restored. Under the current system, the NFA purchases palay from local farmers solely for buffer stocking, which is only released during disaster response or national emergencies.

For Abalos, the NFA should be able to sell rice in the market at fair prices even when there is no emergency.

“Our farmers and farmworkers in Guimba and across the country are true heroes. Like you, I believe that farmers are heroes who deserve to be heard and valued,” Abalos said.

As part of his advocacy for food security, Abalos also emphasized the importance of enacting the Comprehensive Land Use Act to maintain a balance in the nation’s development.

“This is essential to identify priority projects for agriculture and to prevent agricultural lands from being easily converted into subdivisions and industrial sites,” he said.

He added that incentives should be given to farmers who continue to cultivate and keep their lands productive to achieve food sustainability and security for the nation.

“Agricultural produce is our lifeline, and we must protect our farms and support our farmers,” Abalos asserted.

Abalos also assured that if elected to the Senate, he would work tirelessly to implement reforms benefiting the agricultural sector—not only in Nueva Ecija but throughout the Philippines.

“To the farmers and farmworkers of Guimba and the entire country—I stand with you and will engage in dialogue with you,” Abalos declared.