Filipino Voters Demand Genuine Commitment to Agriculture and Food Security Amid Political Lip Service

by: Roy Jerusalem Cabonegro, Green Normal Media Service (www.facebook.com/green.normal.tv)

​In the lead-up to the May 2025 elections, a recent survey conducted from February 15 to 19 reveals that a staggering 90% of Filipino voters are poised to support candidates who prioritize agriculture and food security. This data underscores the electorate's acute awareness of the nation's escalating food insecurity and the urgent need for substantive policy interventions.

The survey, which included 1,800 respondents nationwide with a 2% margin of error, also highlighted that 81% of participants consider the reduction of basic goods and services prices as a critical factor in their voting decisions. These findings come at a time when food inflation continues to erode household incomes, intensifying the daily struggles of many Filipinos.

Dindo Manhit, president of a local think tank, emphasized the gravity of the situation: "We need candidates who will prioritize food security and take decisive action to address the rising prices of essential goods that Filipinos rely on." He pointed out that in a previous survey conducted in January, 59% of respondents identified rice as the commodity with the most significant price increase over the past three months, followed by meat at 25%. This persistent upward trend in prices highlights the ongoing challenge of ensuring food affordability and accessibility.

In response to these pressing concerns, the Makakalikasan Nature Party Philippines has articulated a comprehensive strategy aimed at overhauling the nation's agricultural framework. Their platform advocates for a complete transition to 100% organic agriculture, emphasizing soil conservation and the preservation of heirloom seeds. This approach seeks to achieve food security with minimal transportation distances, thereby reducing the carbon footprint associated with food distribution.

Central to the Makakalikasan Party's policy is the completion of agrarian and aquatic tenurial reforms. By providing substantial support to small-scale farmers and artisanal fisherfolk, the party aims to develop green production value chains. This includes investing in appropriate infrastructure and equipment spanning production, post-production, processing, and marketing stages. Such initiatives are designed to empower local communities and ensure that agriculture serves the primary purpose of feeding the Filipino populace before catering to global markets.

The party also calls for the elimination of industrial, unsustainable farming practices within a decade. This ambitious goal reflects a commitment to environmental sustainability and the promotion of a plant-based diet, moving away from resource-intensive animal farming. By subsidizing farmers who adopt organic practices and fisherfolk who maintain marine protected areas, the Makakalikasan Party envisions a future where national and local food self-sufficiency is a reality. This shift not only promises enhanced food safety and nutrition but also aligns with global efforts to combat climate change through sustainable land use practices.

As the election approaches, the juxtaposition between voter priorities and political rhetoric becomes increasingly pronounced. While many candidates vocalize support for agricultural development and food security, the electorate remains skeptical, demanding concrete plans and demonstrable commitment. The data suggests that mere lip service will no longer suffice; voters are seeking leaders with actionable strategies to address the intertwined challenges of food affordability, sustainable agriculture, and economic empowerment of local communities.
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In this critical juncture, the future of the Philippines' food security hinges on electing leaders who not only understand the complexities of the agricultural sector but are also willing to implement transformative policies. The call for genuine commitment to sustainable practices and the welfare of small-scale producers has never been louder, and the upcoming elections may well determine the trajectory of the nation's food sovereignty for years to come.