The group of Women farmers have denounced the economic strategy of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, saying the Philippines continues to lag behind other Asian nations with stronger economies.
Cathy Estavillo, spokesperson of Bantay Bigas, argued that the government has become overly reliant on imports, neglecting the development and support of local rice producers like her group.
She added that the persistent weakness of the peso in global trading further exposes the country’s economic vulnerability.
Estavillo emphasized that the government should encourage local companies to export Philippine-made products, highlighting the need to strengthen domestic industries.
To achieve this, she said, authorities must assist local rice producers in boosting supply so that the Philippines can eventually export rice and showcase Filipino products in the global market.
