Sara hails Ecija rice producers
STA. ROSA, Nueva Ecija — Vice presidential candidate Sara Duterte hailed all farmers and rice industry operators in the province for their efforts in providing ample supply to the country and feeding Filipinos with quality rice.
During the UnITeam’s campaign here, Mayor Sara recognized the contribution of the farmers in ensuring food security in the country.
“Ang Nueva Ecija po ay may napakalaking kontribusyon sa ating bansa sa usaping bigas,” Mayor Sara said.
The Lakas-CMD and Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) candidate met farmers and their families here through simple gathering organized by incumbent Gov. Aurelio “Oyie” Umali.
Nueva Ecija in Central Luzon is the country’s biggest rice producer, referred to as the “Rice Granary of the Philippines”.
Mayor Sara vowed to cooperate with the next administration and Congress to work on programs that will help uplift the lives of the farmers.
Rogelio dela Cruz, 57, said despite sufficient yield of the staple commodity, they still wish lower prices of farm inputs to boost their earnings.
“Ang kauna-unahan naming kailangan ay yung fertilizer. Pagka-mataas (ang presyo) ang fertilizer, wala na kaming kikitain. Kung bababa yung fertilizer, medyo aahon,” he said.
Dela Cruz, who has been a rice grower for 15 years, added that it would huge help if they are capacitated with modern farming techniques and procedures given the availability of modern technology.
“Mas maganda kung magkakaroon kami ng training. Malaking bagay sa amin yun. Yung hindi pa namin alam ay matututunan namin,” he added.
UniTeam election candidates, who held a series of sorties in the province, were warmly welcomed by a large crowd in its two rally venues.
