Farmers’ groups form alliance to address agricultural issues

The MAGSASAKA party-list led by lawyer Argel Cabatbat, teamed up with the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) and other agricultural groups to uplift the lives of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.

Signatory groups include the National Federation of Small Water Irrigation Systems Associations (SWISAs), Philippine Tobacco Growers Association (PTGA), National Federation of Tobacco Agricultural Cooperatives (NAFTAC), Kalipunan ng Maliliit na Magniniyog sa Pilipinas (KAMMPIL), Aniban ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (AMA), and several regional and local organizations.

Joining Cabatbat in the alliance are FFF leader Leonie Montemayor, SWISAs head Joel Pangalilingan, AMA leader Ronaldo Doganasol, and KAMMPIL leader Reynaldo Monteverde.

In a Unity Statement, the groups expressed their goal of creating a prosperous, self-sufficient Philippines where every Filipino has access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food.

“Together, we will strive to uplift each other and to ensure that every voice in our agricultural community and marginalized sectors is heard and valued,” the statement read.

“Our Alliance is here to support, not as leaders, but as true partners standing with you every step of the way. Your challenges are our shared concern, and your successes are victories for every Filipino who dreams of a better, fairer, and more prosperous future,” it added. 

During the “Magsasaka Para sa Lahat” National Consultation Conference, held from September 27 to 29 in Quezon City, the groups discussed the challenges facing farmers. These include land rights issues, low commodity prices, and the influx of imported agricultural products.

Municipal fisherfolk raised concerns about dwindling fish stocks and commercial fishing encroaching on their grounds. Imported fish in the market also makes competition difficult for local fishers.

Meanwhile, poultry, hog, and livestock raisers struggle with rising production costs, diseases like African swine fever, and instability caused by imported meat.

“These challenges, fueled by unfair trade policies and importation practices, threaten not only the survival of our agricultural sectors, but also our nation’s food security and self-sufficiency,” the joint statement added.

The alliance vowed to support the agricultural sector and ensure that the voices of farmers and fishers are heard.

“We will ensure that the needs and rights of those who feed our nation—from rice fields to fishery areas, from poultry farms to piggeries—are finally given the attention they deserve.”