Magsasaka Party-list Representative Argel Cabatbat expressed his gratitude towards the country’s farmers following the reported marginal increase in rice and corn production.

“The production of rice and corn has seen a marginal increase compared to recorded volume of production last year, and all praises should be solely credited to our farmers who have demonstrated the highest act of heroism – to continue planting even if all the odds are stacked against them,” he wrote in a statement.

Despite this, the congressman reminded the public that the figure is still behind the target for this year.

Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) data shows that the country was able to harvest 7.54 million metric tons (MMT) this year, which is higher compared to last year’s 7.49 MMT. However, the recorded production this year still falls below the target number of 19.44 million MT.

In October and November, a series of typhoons left various parts of the country ravaged. Typhoon ‘Ulysses’ alone left a total of P12.3 billion worth of agriculture damages, as per the Department of Agriculture.

“What is clear in this agricultural performance is that our farmers are ready to answer the call of the times – to work under the scorching heat of the sun and to weather the strongest storms in order to ensure that Filipino families will have food on the table,” Cabatbat said.

“If we truly want to give credit to where it is due, give it to the magsasaka. The sector, while having been at the receiving end of losses and devastation, has selflessly risen to fulfill the agricultural needs of Filipinos. Ang tagumpay na ito ay kanila lamang, dahil kahit ilang henerasyon na silang pinabayaan, hindi sila kailanman tumatalikod tuwing kinakailangan sila ng bayan,” he appealed.

Photo Credit: Facebook/Argel Joseph Cabatbat