President Ferdinand R. Marcos signed Executive Order 39 on September 3, 2023 that declares the price ceiling for rice. This aims to stop the hoarding, over pricing, profiteering, smuggling and cartel. When this executive order was released, mixed reactions were given by consumers, sellers and farmers.
In Capiz, the farmers are the most affected with any changes in the prices. They spend for the palay seeds, fertilizers, insecticides, labor costs, and machinery.
The expenses are incomparable to the sacrifices that these farmers devote to the tilling of the land. Joji Colmo, whose family is a member of A look into Executive Order 39 persons to borrow money for farm supplies. These lending companies or persons charge
exorbitant interest which again, puts heavier burden on the farmers.
” Tessie Caldea Marsamolo of Panay expressed her appreciation for the EO because this has advantage to all consumers. This would safeguard the prices in consideration of minimum wage earners.
Dessiree Parohinog of Dumarao said, “This is effective while the supply is low or while waiting for harvest. But the President should lift the executive order once harvest season is about to begin. It would be good if the government can the Pangpang Bolo Farmers Association, said: “The EO is not applicable now. As farmer, we most often have profit lost because of expensive pesticides, fertilizers, fuel for machineries.
The harvest is also dependent on the weather. This makes it really difficult for farmers. In my opinion, the first move of the President should have been to lower the prices of farm supplies before declaring the price cap for rice. This is most difficult for farmers who resort to lending companies or private give assistance to rice retailers who are most affected because of this EO.”
As part of the assistance to mitigate the situation of rice retailers, the Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Social Welfare and Development gave P15,000 worth of financial assistance to 29 rice retailers in Roxas City on September 14.
Mayor Ronnie Dadivas, during the distribution of the financial assistance, said: “This is a big help to the rice retailers so that they will not have profit lost while there is still a price cap to rice while at the same time protecting the consumers’ interest who are burdened by the high cost of rice.”*
