Tulfo Aims to Reduce Prices of Agricultural Products and Food

Senatorial candidate Erwin Tulfo has pledged to take action in addressing the soaring prices of food and farm products by reviewing existing laws and government regulations.

Running under the Lakas party for the May 12 elections, Tulfo highlighted the practice where traders or middlemen buy agricultural products at very low prices directly from the farms, only to sell them at significantly higher prices in the market.

“As a result of this practice, our farmers, hog raisers and poultry growers earn less. It is the traders who earn much,” Tulfo said. “Nariyan po ang problema sa pagkain, and everybody is experiencing that high cost of living. Kailangan na pong gawan ng paraan. Kailangan po siguro balikan ng Senado, ng Kongreso ang mga batas na ito.”

According to Tulfo, it would be advisable if suggested retail price is being followed to control the prices of food and other prime commodities.

“Kung kinakailangan, maglagay ng Suggested Retail Price para po ika nga makontrol ang presyo po ng pagkain,” stressed Tulfo.

Agriculture plays a vital role in the Philippine economy, ranking third in the national economy in 2022, following services and industry. As of 2022, the sector employs 24% of the Filipino workforce and contributes 8.9% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Recognizing the challenges faced by farmers in the agricultural sector, which includes farming, fisheries, livestock, and forestry, Tulfo emphasized the need to support them, especially as the population continues to grow.

Tulfo made these remarks on Monday, March 24, during the first State of the District Address (SODA) of Quezon City First District Representative Juan Carlos ‘Arjo’ Atayde at SM North Edsa Skydome. He also congratulated Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Rep. Atayde for their efforts in making the city progressive and for their continuous support to the people in times of uncertainty.

“May problema pong pinagdadaanan ang ating bayan. Alam nyo ho naman ito kung ano,” Tulfo added.

“Ang pakiusap ko lang po muna, ipanalangin po natin ang ating mga lider ngayon at noon, na bigyan sila ng malakas na pangangatawan, malampasan ang mga pagsubok na kanilang dinaraanan ngayon, at ipagdasal po natin ang ating bayan na muling magkaisa.”

Among the plans he intends to pursue if elected to the Senate, Tulfo expressed his commitment to review legislation related to monthly allowances for senior citizens, depending on available funds, and to encourage companies to hire elderly workers for suitable jobs. He also promised to address the plight of barangay officials, advocating for standardized salaries rather than honoraria, funded by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) budget.

“We have to give them compensation. Hindi po honorarium, dapat po standardized salary, dapat po ilagay sa pondo ng Department of Interior and Local Government, tulad po ng mga solo parent, hindi po kakayanin ng mga LGU na bigyan po monthly ang mga barangay captain, kagawad, mga barangay tanod, honoraria na lang, at yung mga health worker. May pamilya po silang pinapakain, may mga anak din po silang pinapaaral,” Tulfo said.y have families to support and children to send to school,” Tulfo said.