If only neighboring countries in Asia or even in the world
will eagerly help each other in addressing the food crisis that we are all
undertaking, we can surpass this global problem.
In relation to this, President Gloria Arroyo has recently
sought greater regional cooperation in the Asian region believing this is a
strong tool in battling out the surging prices of basic commodities and food
crisis. She has assured the Philippines will have sufficient rice supply in the
coming months, along with the government’s efforts to control the prices of
prime commodities.
Certainly, as I observed, the Philippines is not terribly
hit by the crisis. Although prices have gone up, but there is no lack of rice supply.
What I find stressing is that the value of Philippine peso is lower compared to
a month ago. Everything seems to be in budgetary constraints. I am an above
average wage earner. But I am experiencing the pain whenever I purchase my
personal stuff or grocery. How painful would it be to those minimum wage
earners, part-time workers or simply daily earners?
I am hoping that the Arroyo government is true to its words
of securing food on the table to every Filipino family. As we live each day and
the situation worsens, every hungry mouth will be a threat to the government.
But if rising prices will be mitigated then rioting Filipino people will be
pacified.
I agree to what Mrs. Arroyo said in her recent speech at the
fellowship meeting of the Association of General and Flag Officers (AGFO) at
Camp Aguinaldo.
The continuing efforts to work with our neighbors in the
region will secure the country’s rice supply. This is true and many countries
should do the same. Every country should extend all possibilities to seek
assistance from a neighboring nation or simply suffer the consequences of
starvation.
Since the food crisis is a global problem, it will be
advisable for countries to share views and expertise in discussing the best
practices and ideas available in combating the detrimental effects of the
crisis.
No man should be an island in this crisis. Mrs. Arroyo said
she is taking strong, swift and decisive action to mitigate the rising prices
of Philippine prime commodities
The Chief Executive said concerned government agencies have
been instructed to look after price gouging; increase the rice supply in
regions where it is necessary; start planting and undergo agricultural
modernization; and continue giving rice subsidies to the poor
If countries will only adopt effective and sound policies
that they can get from global forums and discussions, I am sure this crisis
will come to pass. So regional cooperation will save us from the bad effects of
the crisis.
More summaries about the Regional Cooperation: a Step Closer to Solving Food Crisis