KIDAPAWAN CITY -- North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco on Thursday vowed to rally behind rice farmers by initiating the “Buy North Cotabato Made Products” campaign in an effort to encourage consumers to buy locally-milled rice and other products.
Catamco issued the statement in the wake of the influx of imported rice in the local market that has been affecting the rice industry in North Cotabato province.
“There is a law that opened our local market to rice imports, but my (provincial) administration will encourage our constituents to patronize locally-milled rice,” she said. "It is my moral responsibility to protect our rice farmers.”
Catamco said encouraging consumers to patronize locally-milled rice would spur local economic activity.
“Once we buy imported rice, it is only the retailers and importers who will make money,” she pointed out.
Catamco said she received reports that some rice mills in North Cotabato have ceased milling palay since it was no longer viable with the presence of imported cheap rice in the market.
She noted, however, that North Cotabato remains the number one rice-producing province in Region 12.
The governor said she will push for the passage of a provincial ordinance that will require wet markets and department stores in the province to allot spaces for locally-made products.
The “Buy North Cotabato-Made Products” advocacy program, she said, seeks to educate "our consumers to buy locally-made products like rice, then our farmers will be assured of income.” (PNA)
NoCot guv asks consumers to buy local
By Edwin Fernandez
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