Abalos accepts ex-solon Cabatbat’s invite for dialogue with farmers

Lawyer and former Magsasaka party-list representative Argel Cabatbat has called on senatorial candidate and former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos to have a dialogue with farmers as regards the Rice Tariffication Law. 

Cabatbat invited Abalos to join him in Guimba, Nueva Ecija for a face-to-face dialogue with the farmers about the issue. 

The former lawmaker said the goal of the dialogue is not to argue, but to listen, clarify, and work together in achieving solutions to address the concerns of the agricultural sector.

“Maganda ang panukala ni Secretary Abalos na amyendahan ang Rice Tariffication Law. Pero mas magiging makabuluhan ito kung maririnig niya mismo ang kwento ng mga nasa bukid. Kaya inaanyayahan ko siyang bumaba sa Guimba para makinig tayo nang sabay sa hinaing ng mga magsasaka at farmworkers,” Cabatbat said in a press release. 

Cabatbat also hoped that officials from the Department of Agriculture would attend the dialogue to directly respond to the issues on the ground.

In response, Abalos accepted Cabatbat’s invitation, noting that he is willing to listen to the sentiments of farmers. 

"Malugod kong tinatanggap ang imbitasyon ni Atty. Argel Cabatbat na bumisita sa Guimba, Nueva Ecija at makipagdayalogo sa ating mga magsasaka. Ako po ay taus-pusong nagpapasalamat sa inyong paanyaya," Abalos said in a separate press release. 

He said he would support any measures, which will improve the country’s agricultural sector. 

Abalos said he would push for improving crop insurance and lower interest on the farmers’ loans.

He would also advocate for assistance for the education of the farmers’ children. —AOL, GMA Integrated News

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