Local farmers support Cha-Cha with reservations
by Krizial Apog | May 25, 2024
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Local farmers said that the Charter Change (Cha-cha) may provide more opportunities for the industry as long as their income is not affected by the global competition.
In an interview on May 22 during the Urban Farmer’s Month exhibit at Melvin Jones, Benilda Caccan, a local producer from Baguio City Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, said that Cha-cha is beneficial since their products can compete globally.
“Maganda po ‘yun kasi ‘yung mga products dito, they will be exported to other countries so ang production mas marami, more income,” Caccan said. “Agree [on Cha-cha], kasi tayo lang naman ‘yung wala yatang investors pa, kasi mga nakikita ko lang mga local investors.”
She also emphasized the importance of fair agreements with foreign investors.
“Depende po sa mga makiki-coordinate, must be mutual lang. Ang cost and income must be makatao,” she added.
Meanwhile, Margareta Joseph, a local producer from Umali Kayo — Baryo Lucnab, also expressed support for Cha-cha if it helps address the challenges of handling surplus crops.
“Kung direct naman… kung sa Cha-cha, meron sanang mga facilities na malalaki, halimbawa magtayo sila ng magpre-preserve ng mga prutas o kaya mga vegetable, ico-convert nila sa ibang product,” said Joseph.
Joseph also suggested the creation of big facilities for job opportunities once the amendments are implemented.
However, she said that the possible foreign competition worries her.
“Kung mas maraming kompetisyon hindi ba ‘yun makakaapekto sa negosyo din? Kung minsan kasi ‘pag marami, babagsakan [presyo],” she said.
She also preferred direct transactions, stating, “parang direct sana na idedeliver doon, para farmer to buyer nalang, wala na ‘yung middleman. Kasi kung tutuusin, ‘yung middleman lang ang kumikita eh.”
In a recent Senate regional consultation on Cha-cha, City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said that he believes that the local producers are capable of competing on the global stage.
He added that realizing this potential requires increased capital investment, comprehensive collaborations, and training for innovative methods.
The amendments under Cha-cha could affect local industries as it aimed to allow foreign ownership and investment in the industry.
