A reply from Secretary Alcala

Last Sunday, I wrote a column entitled “Time to Let Alcala Go.” I was, of course, referring to Agriculture Department Secretary Proceso Alcala. Philippine STAR received a five-page reply from the Secretary which said the intention was to provide “a few facts that may help put your column ...in a better perspective.”

The letter is too long to reprint in full in this column. However, in fairness I would like to reprint excerpts that address the major issues I raised in my column. Before I do that, let me first state that I have never met Secretary Alcala. My views were based solely on my critical and logical analysis of his performance the past four years.

On the issue of rice self sufficiency here is what he wrote:

“...we improved the country’s rice self sufficiency from 82% to 96% by 2013 using the formula of Food and Agriculture Organization. Of course we set a higher target, but not achieving this cannot be considered serious ineptitude in the light of what we achieved...despite the storms that hit us, particularly Sendong that hit the rice lands of Central Luzon. “

Here is what he wrote on the issue of rice price stability:

“You are concerned about consumers who have to pay more for the rice they buy. Please know that the price of NFA rice has remained the same. The well milled rice is bought by other consumers who may not be target consumers. Some Metro Manilans who buy NFA rice are not intended consumers of NFA rice but they deprive the real target groups of supply. For this reason we cooperate with DSWD to improve targeting.”

Here is what he wrote on the NFA:

“The NFA reform agenda has been submitted to the economic managers. Decisions need to be made...I regret that you take off from the assumption that the NFA is corrupt. While I cannot guarantee that it is now 100% corruption free, I need you to know that over the last 17 months, the NFA has had the least graft-ridden operation in many, many years.

Here is what he wrote on Secretary Pangilinan.

“I respect your opinion, Mr. Cruz, if you sincerely believe that Sec. Pangilinan can do a good job not only in the four agencies transferred to the Office of the President but to run the entire Department of Agriculture. However, I believe this decision belongs to the President, who I fully trust has a more complete assessment of the results on the ground and who respects the farmers and fishers whom we have served in the last four years.”

Alcala also wrote on irrigation, coconut infestation and the garlic issue which I will print in a future column.

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A brief rejoinder: After reading Secretary Alcala’s letter, I continue to stand by what I wrote in my column in Philippine STAR last Sunday, June 22. However, I do not intend to reprint my entire column. I just want to add a few comments on the letter sent to me.

First, It was Secretary Alcala who, in 2011 and again in 2013, promised self sufficiency in rice, corn, onions, garlic and other food produce. There was nothing in his statements that said self sufficiency could be attained ONLY if there are no typhoons.

There will always be typhoons and floods in the Philippines. The logical assumption is that we have to find a way to be self sufficient in rice and other food produce in spite of typhoons and floods. If the Secretary of Agriculture believes that this is impossible, unless typhoons are banned, then the promise should have been clearly conditional.

Second, the Office of the President has said that rice price stability can be expected in the next two months. I do not think that this announcement was limited to the prices of NFA rice but included even well milled rice. Perhaps, the Office of the President should inform the Department of Agriculture that the goal of price stability is not limited to NFA rice but also includes well milled rice and other food produce.

Third, the number of markets and dealers who will sell NFA rice has been increased. I did not realize that the purchase of NFA is limited to certain targeted segments and not the general public. If this is the case then increasing the outlets will only increase the number of buyers of NFA rice especially now that there has been a promise that there will be quality standards. By the way, what are the qualifications needed to purchase NFA rice?

Fourth, if the reform agenda for the NFA is being delayed by the economic managers, may we know who are these economic managers and what are the decisions they are delaying? Again if these managers are the ones to blame for the failure to reform the NFA, and not the Secretary, the public should know the details so that accountability is clear. Do these economic managers include the heads of Finance, NEDA, Budget, and Trade?

Fifth, I want to state that I have not talked to Pangilinan for many, many years. I really do not know him personally. It was P-Noy who obviously believed that he can do a better job and, therefore, transferred these critical agencies from the present Secretary to Pangilinan.

 I just do not see the logic of dividing the Department into two units. The DA has a unified mission: “To help and empower the farming and fishing communities and the private sector to produce enough accessible and affordable food for every Filipino and a decent income for all.”

There is an immediate need for a new and unified leadership in a unified Department of Agriculture. Again, it is time to let Alcala go.

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