Economist and former Misamis Oriental Vice Governor Joey Pelaez issued a serious warning that the ongoing rise in fuel prices and basic commodities could lead to a food crisis and widespread hunger in the country.
The former official explained that ordinary families will be hardest hit due to the increasing prices of rice, transportation fares, and electricity while the government faces budget shortages.
To address this threat, he urged the government to strengthen local farming and support farmers so the country does not rely heavily on food imports.
Consequently, Pelaez called for immediate government action to boost local food production before the situation deteriorates into severe hunger.
