Benhur Abalos, Jr., former Interior Secretary and now a candidate for senator, is pushing for incentives to help farmers keep their land productive.
He said this would also stop agricultural lands from being turned into subdivisions or industrial areas.
Abalos made these statements during his visit to Legazpi, Albay. He met with local officials to discuss urgent issues and suggest practical solutions.
According to Abalos, local governments should focus on protecting farmland and supporting people who depend on agriculture for their livelihood.
“Our lifeline is food security and sustainability. Everyone complains about the high prices of vegetables and food, but if we don’t take care of our farms, they might all become subdivisions,” Abalos said.
He suggested giving farmers incentives so they won’t be tempted to sell their land. These include property tax discounts for agricultural landowners, expanded crop insurance, and low- or zero-interest loans to support farming operations.
