Dar backs proposed DOF economic recovery measures

May 15, 2020

Agriculture Secretary William Dar expressed support on the economic measures proposed by the Department of Finance (DOF) to revive the economy after the coronavirus disease epidemic .

Dar said as a member of the economic development cluster (EDC) of the Cabinet of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the DA strongly supports the five-point economic measures proposed by Finance Secretary and EDC chair Carlos Dominguez III to revive the Philippine economy, after surmounting the Covid-19 crisis in the country.

"Our role at the DA is highlighted as two of the five measures involve food production and logistics," he said.

"Secretary Dominguez said the manufacture of products that have strong and inelastic demand such as food should be increased, and fresh food items should be stored efficiently so these would last," said Dar.

"We truly appreciate the endorsement of Secretary Dominguez, recognizing our initiatives to increase the production of adequate and nutritious food in a cost-efficient manner, and the establishment of needed postharvest and storage facilities, and logistic systems," he added.

Dar said Dominguez made the proposal during the meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte and members of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the management of emerging infectious diseases in Malacanang on May 11.

Dominguez said the "government should take the lead in stimulating consumer demand to help businesses survive and keep the economy afloat, as President Duterte's economic team and legislators finalize the economic recovery program."

"We have to stimulate demand, and that's with 'Build, Build, Build' and push food production," he said.

Dar said the "entire DA family will passionately take on the challenge that similar to the 'Build, Build, Build' initiative we will do our counterpart 'Plant, Plant, Plant' program to ensure sustained food production coupled with efficient postharvest, marketing and logistic systems."

"All our hands are on deck as part of the President Duterte's economic team’s effort in jumpstarting the economy and attracting more investments to buoy capacities of the country's agri-fishery sector,” he said.

"We assure President Duterte, Secretary Dominguez, and fellow EDC and IATF members, that we at the DA will do our utmost in pump-priming and industrializing Philippine countryside in partnership with the LGUs and captains of industry," he added.

Dar said presently more than 340 LGUs nationwide have bought P1.9-billion worth of various agri-fishery produce from farmers and fishers nationwide.

"This is on top of the continuing purchases of fresh, processed and manufactured food and basic necessities by agribusiness enterprises and conglomerates  nationwide," he said. Robina Asido/DMS