AGRI Party-list Representative and Senatorial Aspirant Manoy Wilbert Lee has filed a measure urging the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to open and expand the EDSA busway during night hours for the use of agricultural and food delivery vehicles, to facilitate the efficient transport of essential supplies, promote food security and lower prices.
AGRI Party-list pointed out that the transport of agricultural goods faces several challenges, particularly in Metro Manila, where traffic congestion hampers the timely arrival of perishable goods, leading to food wastage and increased costs for both suppliers and consumers.
In filing House Resolution No. 2162, AGRI seeks to accommodate agricultural and food delivery vehicles, particularly those transporting perishable goods, from 10PM to 5AM, including Sundays and holidays, as a means of ensuring the prompt and efficient movement of essential food supplies into Metro Manila.
“Through this, we can ensure the timely transport of fresh produce, meats, dairy, and other essential food items to Metro Manila and neighboring areas, which will help lower food prices and achieve food security,” AGRI said.
According to the Resolution, such arrangements can be developed into a formal policy to ensure that all necessary measures are in place to regulate the entry of agricultural and food delivery vehicles and avoid potential disruptions to the primary function of the busway, including the proper coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
“DOTr must facilitate consultations with agricultural and food industry stakeholders to further optimize the logistics of food supply chains and address issues related to food distribution within the National Capital Region. Gusto nating maipatupad ito para makatulong, at hindi maging dagdag na abala o pabigat sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan,” AGRI said.
“Bukod sa dagdag na suporta sa ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at local food producers, kailangan nating maglatag at magpatupad ng mga hakbang para masiguro ang mabilis na biyahe ng produkto patungong merkado, na magpapababa sa presyo ng pagkain,” it added.
AGRI Party-list also reiterated its advocacy for cheaper prices of food for the benefit of Filipinos saying, “Napakahalaga na mapagaan ang pasanin ng ating mga kababayan sa pamamagitan ng murang pagkain na maihahain sa kani-kanilang hapag-kainan, kaya lahat ng rason kung bakit nagmamahal ang mga ito ay dapat solusyunan agad.”
AGRI Party-list has been consistently pushing for legislative measures that will reduce the prices of food in the market by providing additional support for the agricultural sector and protecting the livelihood of local food producers.
AGRI recently filed House Resolution No. 2158 to investigate the sudden and drastic increase in the retail price of tomatoes, and determine the role of price manipulators, hoarders and cartels in the possible “artificial tomato crisis” causing the price hike.
“Ang paniwala natin: Sa suporta sa agrikultura, panalo ang masa. Dapat nang mawala sa eksena at panagutin ang mga demonyo at kriminal na kumikitil sa ating ekonomiya, lalo na sa kabuhayan ng mga kababayan nating buong buhay na nagsisikap para sa pamilya at para may makain ang buong bansa,” AGRI stated.
“Tungkulin ng gobyernong tiyakin na may sapat na proteksyon sa hanapbuhay ang ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at local food producers na itinuturing nating “food security soldiers” para mapataas ang lokal na produksyon, dumami ang supply sa merkado, at mapababa ang presyo ng pagkain at bilihin. Murang pagkain, gawin na natin!” it added.
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