Marcos, Cabinet tackle possible review of policies, legislation for food security

Food security was the main topic during Monday's Cabinet meeting, Malacañang said.

According to Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles, the national government is identifying the factors that hinder food security in the country. She said Cabinet members have proposals on policy review and legislation to guarantee food security.

Among the agencies which presented during the meeting were the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), she said.

Cruz-Angeles also said the government is looking to have a review on the policy regarding importation and local production.

"So those that were identified for possible policy review and legislation are the barriers to efficient transportation, red tape, 'yung permit systems natin to make it more efficient, also the crossing of boundaries between LGUs (local government units), in addition to which we’re also looking at a review of policy and possible legislation to balance importation with local production and to address the issues of over and under production," she said.

"So all the departments made their reports today. There are quite many overlaps so all departments will be working together on the policy review, assessment review, and proposals," she added.

Earlier, Marcos, who sits as Agriculture chief, said there is a need to improve coordination mechanisms between the national and local government units to ensure a strengthened food supply production and distribution.

He has since emphasized the need to fix the value chain in order to address short- and long-term problems in the agriculture sector.—LDF, GMA News