Farmers see Lacson-Sotto as hope to regain ‘stolen’ livelihood

MANILA, Philippines — More groups are throwing their support behind Partido Reporma chairman and standard-bearer Sen. Panfilo Lacson and running mate, Senate President Tito Sotto, who could help them get back their ‘stolen’ livelihood.

Local farmers said Lacson-Sotto helped them as they pleaded for help defending their livelihoods amid challenges brought about by the pandemic and rampant agricultural smuggling.

The farmers thanked Lacson and Sotto for shining a light on their plight.

The group of farmers from Benguet complained to Lacson and Sotto that it was as if their earnings were being stolen from them – by those who they were counting on to protect them from these threats.

The group also said farmers contribute not only to the country’s economy, but also to ensuring the health of the nation through the fresh fruits and vegetables they provide for Filipinos daily.

“Thank you, sir, for intervening (through the Senate hearing),” was the short but emotional statement of Agot Balanoy, manager of the Hi-Land Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative, as she expressed her gratitude to Lacson on behalf of vegetable growers in Baguio City, which the presidential candidate visited recently.

At a recent Senate investigation, Lacson criticized the free flow of smuggled agricultural products into the country like strawberries, carrots and the like, which are flooding local markets and artificially depressing prices, to the detriment of local farmers’ incomes.

This, despite a gaggle of regulations and processes imposed by government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Customs on local growers, which are protecting foreign interests instead of Filipino producers.

“It’s only proper that local products are the ones flooding the markets and being bought by Filipino consumers,” Lacson said.

Balanoy said the farmers now have hope of getting justice for the agricultural crimes committed against them because they know Lacson has made it a priority to watch over the sector and respond to their complaints, especially with the smuggling that is killing local industry.

On his Facebook page, the longtime public servant posted #WalangNakawanNgKabuhayan (No Stealing of Livelihood) to uplift farmers and businessmen alike who are still recovering from the debilitating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Let’s raise the dignity of our local farmers by patronizing and buying their products. Let’s help them so their livelihoods won’t be stolen from them,” Lacson said.