Efforts to bring down food prices are being ramped up as Malacañang moves to speed up the accreditation of farmers and traders and ensure unhampered transport of agricultural goods, amid rising fuel costs.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said agencies and local governments have been directed to support truckers in availing of reduced toll and port fees rolled out to ease the burden on the agricultural supply chain.
“This begins with the speedy accreditation of farmers and traders who are qualified for the toll fee waiver,” Recto said.
He also called for the removal of unnecessary roadblocks that delay deliveries.
“Unnecessary and unreasonable stopping and inspection of food trucks by police and LGU checkpoints should also stop because it delays travel and wastes fuel,” he added.
Recto said the measures are critical during the harvest season, when faster and cheaper transport is needed to prevent spoilage and stabilize prices of perishable goods.
The initiative is complemented by efforts of the Department of Agriculture to directly purchase produce from farmers, helping sustain livelihoods while minimizing post-harvest losses.
Over the weekend, the Office of the President procured vegetables from Benguet, which were distributed to local governments in Metro Manila, as well as jails and orphanages, as part of efforts to streamline food supply and reduce waste.