Querubin flags high prices of local produce, calls for support to farmers

QUEZON CITY—Independent senatorial candidate Ariel Querubin visited vendors and market-goers at NEPA Q-Mart along EDSA on Monday, where he raised concern over the high prices of local produce compared to imported goods.

Querubin, a retired Marine officer and Medal of Valor awardee, spoke with vendors to understand pricing issues and the difficulties of selling local produce in a competitive market.

“Maraming binebenta dito na imported, mas mura siya kaysa dun sa naproproduce natin gaya ng bawang sa Ilocos Norte, mas mahal kaysa dito sa mga imported na malalaki na bawang na galing ng China,” Querubin said.

Querubin stressed the need for government intervention to lower production costs and increase farmers’ earnings.

“[Nakakabahala] rin. Sana matulungan natin na [mapababa ang gastos sa produksyon ng mga pananim at mapataas ang kita ng ating mga magsasaka],” Querubin said.

“Dapat maibenta [rin] ng pantay yung ating mga produkto kaysa sa mga imported na yan,” Querubin added.

Querubin noted that corruption and lack of infrastructure hamper the development of agriculture, making it difficult for local produce to compete.Querubin has previously called for the construction of farm-to-market roads and post-harvest facilities to strengthen the agriculture sector and make local food more affordable.

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Photo Courtesy of Querubin Campaign Team