In response to the growing threat of climate change, former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. called for expanding the scope of crop insurance to cover all crops, not just rice and corn.
In a press conference in Tagum City, Davao del Norte recently, Abalos, one of the senatorial candidates of the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas coalition, pointed out that many farmers suffer significant losses due to typhoons, droughts, and other climate-related disasters, with no safety net to protect their livelihood.
“Napakaraming taniman ang hindi saklaw ng kasalukuyang crop insurance program. Kung gusto nating protektahan ang ating mga magsasaka at palakasin ang ating food security, kailangan nating palawigin ito,” Abalos said.
He also pushed for institutionalized financial support for farmers, particularly through accessible and affordable credit programs that would help them invest in better seeds, technology, and equipment.
Recognizing the long-term impact of education, Abalos advocated for scholarship programs and vocational training for the children of farmers. He highlighted that equipping them with education and skills will open new opportunities and help lift their families out of poverty.
“Kapag ang mga anak ng magsasaka ay nabigyan ng edukasyon at kaalaman, mas malaki ang posibilidad na maiahon nila ang kanilang pamilya sa kahirapan,” he stressed.
Abalos urged national and local leaders to prioritize food security and farmer support as central pillars of their development plans. He called on stakeholders from the public and private sectors to collaborate in providing farmers with the necessary tools and resources to succeed.
“We have the power to create lasting change, but we must act now. The future of our country’s food security depends on how well we support our farmers today,” he concluded. PR
