FILIPINO RICE PRICE PLEDGE MADE BY BONGBONG MARCOS: PROMISES AND REALITY

JUSTINE C. PANGAN

Politicians frequently use promises as effective tactics to win over the support and affection of the populace. The price of rice will be lowered to 20 Philippine pesos (PHP) per kilogram, according to Bobong Marcos, a well-known political figure in the Philippines. The public has taken notice of Bobong Marcos' promise to reduce the price of rice to just 20 PHP per kilogram. In the Philippines, rice is a culinary mainstay that is ingrained in the country's cuisine and culture. Millions of Filipinos may be impacted by high rice prices, particularly those who live in low-income homes.

Although citizens are drawn to the prospect of cheap rice, achieving this goal is not without its difficulties. The price of rice is impacted by a complex interaction of market forces, such as production costs, supply and demand dynamics, and outside variables including the climate and global trade. The viability of maintaining a set pricing might be affected by unpredictable events.

The price of producing rice includes costs for labor, transportation, and other factors such as cultivation. Without subsidies, it could be challenging to maintain a significantly decreased pricing if these costs are not appropriately addressed. There are numerous stakeholders across the rice supply chain, including farmers, wholesalers, and retailers. It takes careful balancing to ensure equitable remuneration for all while maintaining affordable rates. Rice prices in the domestic market can be impacted by global market movements and trade regulations. The viability of keeping a stable price domestically could be impacted by changes in the international rice markets. Achieving the 20 PHP per kilogram price might need government subsidies, which, if poorly managed, could put a strain on the public funds.

In terms of the Philippines' food security, rice is more than just a basic necessity. For the benefit of the populace, a reliable and economical supply of rice must be provided. To reconcile affordability and sustainability, though, is a difficult task.Long-term solutions include developing more efficient methods for producing rice, making investments for our rice farmers, and helping farmers increase their output is of the solution to lower the price of rice on our country. To decrease reliance on rice and increase food security, it is important to encourage the growth of other crops and dietary diversification. Policies that concentrate on fixing supply chain inefficiencies and stabilizing prices through market processes may be more successful than ones that arbitrarily impose a fixed price.

A desirable vow that matches the hopes of many Filipinos is Bobong Marcos' pledge to lower the price of rice to 20 PHP per kilogram. However, it's important to approach such commitments with a sophisticated grasp of the challenges that are included. A complete approach that prioritizes affordability and sustainability is needed to achieve this goal due to the complexity of rice pricing, supply networks, and market dynamics. Striking a balance between political promises and the practical realities of policy implementation is vital as the Philippines travels this path.

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III at Magsaysay Elementary School Division of Mabalacat City