Hope for food security in Negros

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

It's exactly ten days before Christmas day, and for the millions of Catholics worldwide, the nine-day Misa de Gallo novena to usher the birth of our Savior and Redeemer starts tomorrow. And, since it is only a matter of days before the end of this year, it may not be too early to wish for brighter things to come by the next one.

The most basic of man's needs is, of course, food. With the onset of the Christmas season, the supply of food may not adequately meet the demand, especially since some parts of the country, including Region 7, have been devastated by typhoons and floods. Even non-economists would know that if supply is low, then prices would automatically go higher.

The announcement, therefore, from the Department of Agriculture that it will bring down the prices of basic food items is most welcome, nay, a most fitting gift coming from the government in this season of giving.

Said to be done in line with the President's Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program, it will initially involve 27 Barangay Food Terminals in Metro Manila and 48 more in various regions all over the country. In Negros Oriental, it is targeted to have three Barangay Food Terminals, with one each in Dumaguete City , Bayawan City , and Vallehermoso, starting next year.

Moreover, by February, according to the plan, both the provincial and city governments will coordinate jointly for the setting up of a “bagsakan” or drop-off point in Dumaguete where goods or produce will be dropped off and sold at affordable prices. The goods will supposedly be priced much lower than those sold in regular retail outlets.

Let this latest program of the President become reality, and truly redound to the benefit of the Filipino people. Better still, let the beneficiaries establish a sense of ownership with the program. Only in this way will it be more significant to all concerned.*