Why is Agriculture the backbone of Philippine economy?

What is
the importance of the farmers as backliners in the fight against
COVID-19?

Agriculture is considered as the backbone of Philippine economy, its output

provides food security while serving as an input for the country’s industrial
developments.
In the past decade, agriculture accounts for 13.75% of the country’s Gross
Domestic Product (GDP). All things being constant, increased agricultural
output leads to overall economic advancement of the country. Furthermore,
agricultural expansion plays a vital role for the supply of raw materials for
developing industries in our country. Lastly, agriculture secures income and
employment in rural communities. Thus, it is equitable to accord great
emphasis to further agriculture sector in the Philippines. Our country has put
in place significant consideration in agriculture as enshrined in Section 5,
Article XIII of our Constitution which provides that the State shall provide
support to agriculture through appropriate technology and research and
adequate financial, production, marketing and other support services. Several
statutes were also enacted to boost agriculture in the Philippines.
Notwithstanding numerous legislations, there has been significant decrease
in productivity due to high production costs, low government support, lack of
updated agricultural policies and specific projects that will directly address
farmer’s recurring predicaments. Agriculture sector’s contribution to national
wealth has been diminishing consistently as more focus was given by our
government to industrialization.
In the current setting, major setback that pushed the economy on its edge is
the lockdown brought about by the pandemic. The economy shrank by 16.5%
in April to June this year as compared to last year. As a mitigating factor, the
agriculture sector is expected to have a huge role in pursuing socio-economic
response to COVID-19.
COVID-19 is indeed a global health crisis, it is during this crucial times that
health is the primary consideration, however, this pandemic has caused the
Philippines’ economic downturn, which resulted to food insecurity,
unemployment, losses in various industries and even closure of
establishments. Thus, giving priority in agriculture can sustain food
production, generate jobs and enable rural areas to recover.
Health workers are applauded for being the front liners in the battle against
the pandemic. Conversely, from where we are today, what we also need to put
our attention to are ways to go forward. One of the biggest problem now is
food scarcity, which can be addressed by our farmers.
I personally witnessed the struggles of our farmers being an owner of a
business on trading of agricultural related products. Literally, they are the
ones who gets their hands dirty. They exert so much effort and hard work
with little or no return. I am aware how much our farmers spend on rice
seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and other overhead costs. In addition to these
costs, time, effort and dedication are obviously invested by our farmers not
just to earn for themselves and ultimately to provide food supply for the
nation.
We should also take into consideration that our country is part of the
typhoon belt, this fortuitous event could possibly wipe out in an instant a
farmer’s investment. Another negative effect by the onslaught of several
typhoons in our country, the government resorted to rice importation to
resolve shortage in its supply. The entry of imported rice gravely affects the
local pricing of palays in the country, thereby reducing the income of our
farmers and aggravating their current situation.
I am looking forward that the government can provide a more concrete
assistance to our farmers. The farmers do not need one-time pecuniary
benefit that will temporarily alleviate their situation, what they need is an
immediate action to strengthen their current process. Perhaps a new
innovation and technical support services to minimize losses.
It is well known concept in our jurisprudence that those who have less in
life should have more in law. Proper credit should be given to our farmers by
the government. Ultimately, this aim can be attained through genuine agrarian
reform program, updated agricultural policies, incorporating innovative
technologies to increase productivity, promote greater equality and make a
real impact on the lives of our farmers, the underrated and unrecognized back
liners in the fight against the pandemic.
Sources:
www.pcaf.da.gov.ph
www.worldbank.org
www.ippmedia.com