The Philippine Network of Food Security Programmes (PNFSP) is deeply alarmed over reports of “fake rice” circulating in public markets as of late. The synthetic rice reportedly came from China and is also being sold in other Southeast Asian countries. This incident underscores the grave effects of trade liberalization, especially of agricultural products. Rice is our country’s staple food. The government should therefore not depend on importation for our domestic supply. Ri

Bantay Bigas also pressed for adequate subsidies and support services for farmers. They further recommended that the government allocate...