Food security and the 2025 elections

On Feb. 3, 2025, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. declared a rice emergency in response to the extraordinary rise in local rice prices despite lower global market prices and a reduction in tariffs. The emergency declaration allows the National Food Authority (NFA) to release at least 25,000 metric tons of rice per month, totaling 300,000 metric tons, in a bid to bring rice prices down to pre-July 2023 levels.

This situation highlights a stark reality: food security, particularly in the rice sector, remains a pressing issue in the Philippines. The global rice market may be stabilizing, but domestic food prices are still high, affecting the daily lives of millions of Filipinos. While the NFA has launched a rice release program to stabilize prices, local government units (LGUs) have yet to massively heed the call to accelerate their procurement and distribution efforts. This delayed response raises an important question: Why are LGUs so crucial in ensuring food security and how can voters make a difference in this ongoing crisis?

Beyond the immediate emergency measures, the long-term success of food security initiatives relies heavily on the effective involvement of LGUs. Local officials have the knowledge and proximity to address the unique challenges and needs of their communities. They are more than just implementers of national policies—they are leaders in shaping food security at the grassroots level.

LGUs play a pivotal role in ensuring that national agricultural policies are tailored to local conditions. They can develop targeted strategies for agricultural sustainability and support local farmers directly. By empowering communities to take part in food security initiatives, LGUs foster a sense of responsibility and co-ownership which are essential for long-term solutions.

However, the challenge goes beyond just implementing national programs—it also involves spearheading these at the grassroots level. Way back in 2018, the Department of Agriculture encouraged LGUs to develop local food security plans, which could serve as the foundation for future government initiatives. This was a strategic move, especially now that a new rice industry development road map is being mapped out.

As we approach the 2025 elections, it’s vital that local officials build on these plans, ensuring that they are not only aligned with national policies but also responsive to the unique challenges faced by their communities. As food security continues to be a critical issue, it should be a central focus in the upcoming elections. The events surrounding the rice emergency serve as a wake-up call—food security is not just a national concern, but one that requires active, informed leadership at the local level.

Electing leaders who understand the importance of agriculture in both the economic and social fabric of the Philippines is crucial. These leaders will ensure that agricultural policies are not just implemented but also optimized to benefit the people they serve. Their support for smart farming practices, local food production, and targeted food security programs can help safeguard the country’s sovereignty and national security. Local officials who are committed to agriculture and food security can create an environment where farming thrives, where food is affordable and accessible, and where rural communities are empowered to play a significant role in shaping their own future.

A country that relies heavily on food imports is vulnerable to disruptions in global markets, whether due to geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters, or shifting supply chains. By electing officials who reduce dependency on imported food, Filipino voters can help ensure that the Philippines is better prepared for future challenges.

The rice emergency is just one example of why food security must be a flagship issue in the upcoming elections. Local officials who support agriculture are key to ensuring that the Philippines can provide food for its citizens now and in the future. By prioritizing food security in the election process, voters will play a crucial role in shaping a future where agriculture and food security are integral to the nation’s prosperity.

—————-

Dr. Rex L. Navarro is the Vice-President of the Coalition for Agriculture Modernization in the Philippines.