South Cotabato, Philippines — Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. has laid out his plans to address the growing concern over the potential increase in the prices of rice and other basic commodities. Speaking in a recent press conference, the governor emphasized the need for sustainable and local solutions to protect the people of South Cotabato from the impact of inflation and market manipulation.
“We are closely monitoring the situation. Price hikes are not only caused by inflation but also by tariffs and the presence of multiple middlemen between the producers and consumers,” Gov. Tamayo explained.
To address this, Gov. Tamayo proposed a farm-to-table distribution system that would minimize the involvement of intermediaries, allowing goods to reach consumers more directly and at lower costs.
“Ang gusto naton, direkta halin sa aton mga mangunguma pakadto sa lamisa sang tawo. This way, we help both our local producers and our consumers,” he said.
The governor also mentioned the possibility of implementing ordinances and localized price ceilings as preventive measures to ensure that the cost of essential goods remains within the reach of ordinary families.
“We are studying the implementation of local policies, including price control mechanisms. This will help us protect our people, especially those who are struggling financially,” he added.
Gov. Tamayo emphasized that while the national government plays a major role in economic regulations, local government units must also act proactively to find solutions on the ground.
“Hindi puwedeng manan-aw lang kita. We need to be part of the solution. Ang aton provincial government may kapasidad kag responsibilidad nga mangita sang paagi para indi mabudlayan ang aton pumuluyo,” he said.
The Provincial Government of South Cotabato, under Tamayo’s leadership, has long been advocating for self-sufficiency and inclusive economic growth, and this latest initiative is part of the broader effort to empower local communities and shield them from global economic shocks. (With reports from Albert Sionosa, NDMU Comm Arts Intern)
