Government should act in long term for Phl imminent food crisis due to Middle East conflict says Angara

By Jason de Asis

SENATE OFFICE, Manila, March 8, 2011-Senator Edgardo J. Angara said that the imminent food crisis in the Philippines seen due to middle east conflict where he called the government to act against it in long-term following the rising price of crude oil would not just trigger but accelerate the increase of food costs worldwide.

Angara urged the Philippine government leaders to work with the private sector to achieve these goals at the soonest time possible where he explained that the increase of gasoline prices would be felt first and foremost by those living in poverty, saying that it is an immediate backlash from the trouble in the oil-producing countries but we must be warned of its lingering effect on food costs in the nation.

The Senator said that to address future problems he fears that emergency food security measures might not be enough explaining that the average Filipino family spends about half of its income on food alone. “If this expense eats up any more of the household budget, Filipinos will have to scrimp on other basic necessities,” he said.

The veteran legislator said that renewable energy sources and a bolstered agriculture industry would address these national issues as a way to avoid these problems by lessening the country’s dependence on oil as a primary source of fuel, perhaps through renewable energy alternatives which are being developed by our scientists, adding that to become more self-sufficient is by boosting our food security by strengthening the agriculture sector so we can stabilize food prices.

The senator reiterated his call to the government leaders to work hand in hand together with the private sectors and public agencies as the problem is coming, adding that the fluctuating price of gasoline is but a factor in the long-term food security in the country. (Jason de Asis)