A global food crisis

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 turns out that the Philippine government has not been the only one that has been negligent where food security is concerned.  In other parts of the globe, the governments of Bangladesh and Egypt are already facing social unrest because of rising food prices and shortages, and the Prime Minister of Haiti has already been removed from office in an attempt to defuse widespread anger over food prices that has already led to days of protests and looting.  Even the head of the International Monetary Fund has warned that if the prices of food remain high, wars can possibly break out.

The grimness of the global food situation puts the Philippines, which currently holds the distinction of being the world’s biggest importer of rice, at an especially vulnerable position.  This conspicuously dangerous dependence on other countries for our supply of staple food puts us at the mercy of rice-exporting nations and global market conditions, which for foodstuffs, do not look very promising right now.

The reality of actual food crises being experienced by other countries right now emphasizes the importance of aggressively working towards self-sufficiency, especially when it comes to rice.  Years of neglect and unabashed corruption, as well as the unchecked conversion of agricultural lands for the purpose of evading agrarian reform has left our agricultural sector, one that used to be the envy of the region, in a state where even the most optimistic Filipino cannot help but have serious doubts in our ability to produce enough rice for ourselves.

The good news is, while our agricultural sector may be the laughingstock of the region, it cannot be counted out.  It will be a Herculean task, but with the proper leadership and support, and as long as we make sure that the funds earmarked for the revival of Philippine agriculture is spent well, a day may come in the near future when rice importation will become a thing of the past.  Let us hope that those in power look beyond the end of their terms and apply long-term solutions instead of quick fixes and dole-outs.*