5 hours Ago
The current state of our food market is marred by a conspicuous failure of this administration to regulate and control the rampant greed exhibited by unscrupulous middlemen and retailers. This negligence has allowed these opportunists to consistently manipulate the prices of essential commodities—rice, meat, vegetables, fish, and now eggs—betraying the trust of consumers who are hit hardest by soaring costs. Farm gate prices remain low while retail prices in markets skyrocket, a phenomenon driven not by genuine supply shortages but by manufactured hysteria—rumors of shortages, threats of avian flu, and other fabrications.
This orchestrated manipulation, where middlemen wield disproportionate power, exposes an alarming truth: our food system is being used as a weapon against the very citizens it is meant to feed. Most troubling is the apparent inutility of our national institutions, particularly the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) which seem more like spectators than enforcers in this crisis. Tasked with monitoring violations, these agencies merely report infractions without the necessary authority to act decisively.
Their ineffectiveness is compounded by a bewildering jurisdictional divide with local government units (LGUs), who have the prerogative to close down establishments yet often stand idle in the face of blatant price gouging. It is unacceptable that there is no cohesive strategy or collaborative action plan between the national government and LGUs, allowing middlemen to operate with virtual impunity. This kind of bureaucratic confusion creates an environment of lawlessness within our food markets.
Middlemen and retailers thrive in this chaos, their greed unchecked as they exploit the system that ought to protect ordinary citizens from exploitation. The disconnect between producers and consumers widens, with farmers earning meager profits while consumers face exorbitant prices. It is a vicious cycle of inequality that must be addressed immediately.
We implore our leaders to recognize the urgency of this situation. It is time for a robust collective effort among the DTI, DA, DILG and local mayors to assert control over price manipulation, enforce regulations with genuine intent, and hold accountable those profiting at the expense of consumers. Solve your “devolution” differences asap, because only through your decisive action can we dismantle this entrenched systems that perpetuate inequality and suffering.
Failure to act now would amount to a grievous neglect of duty—one that will ultimately erode public trust in our institutions. Our government must become synonymous with accountability and fairness rather than complacency. Stand up against these greedy middlemen; act decisively to protect our farmers and consumers; cultivate a system that prioritizes the welfare of the people above all else.
The time for lip service has passed; it is time for real change. If there is one Metro Manila LGU official who stands out above the rest, it is none other than QC Mayor Joy Belmonte. Looking at her pro-active QC LGU website, one sees the dizzying schedule almost 24/7 of the mayor attending to all the important needs of her more than 3 million grateful residents.
Her dedication, indefatigable spirit and unwavering commitment to uplift the lives of her constituents shines brightly through various initiatives that provide livelihood assistance, inaugurate vital infrastructure, and construct necessary educational facilities while prioritizing those often overlooked—informal settlers. Take, for instance, this past week, the remarkable Small Income Generating Assistance (SIGA) program, aided over 370 QCitizens with significant financial support to boost local businesses. Recently, close to 600 solo parents received financial assistance designed to help alleviate financial strains and encourage participation in sustainable livelihood programs.
It’s this kind of heartfelt support that enhances the fabric of the community, ensuring that no one is left behind. Mayor Joy’s vision extends beyond immediate financial aid — it encompasses future growth and security. The *Pangkabuhayang QC* program allows beneficiaries from various districts to receive additional funding and training aimed at fostering sustainable business practices But residents are not just receiving financial aid; they are also witnessing a transformation in living conditions.
The QCitizen Homes project has been a frontrunner in addressing housing needs for families affected by major construction projects like the Metro Manila Subway. With developments including multi-purpose halls and child-friendly environments, it represents a step toward a brighter future. Seal-proofing the city against floods, Mayor Joy’s administration has seen the construction of crucial infrastructure, such as the Kalamiong Creek Retaining Wall and the “Detention basin” at Palmera Phase 3 homes , Bgy Santa Monica.
In education, the inauguration of facilities continues non-stop such as the San Bartolome High School, Basement Bagbag Integrated High School, AMLAC Senior High School and Payatas C Elementary School. Bgy Sta. Lucia Multi-Purpose building.
Hospitals such as Rosario Maclang-Bautista in IBP Road and Novaliches District hospitals are being solarized for energy efficiency. New Parks are under construction including SB BuenaPlaza park in Bgy. Novaliches and the acquisition of land to build a new LGU facility in Teresa Heights, Bgy Pasong Putik.
Her bold and consistent innovations are being noticed not only here but also worldwide, from her exemplary free rides of QCitizens on electric buses, Sunday Car-free Carefree Tomas Morato Avenue , and implementation of calorie labelling ordinance to check on the health and nutrition of her people. Under her leadership, Quezon City is now a model for empowerment, sustainability, and community development as she enters into her third and final third term in May. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address.
I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . In conclusion, one thing remains clear: Mayor Joy Belmonte is a true advocate for her grateful constituents—a nurturing force dedicated to the well-being and progress of our ever-evolving city, despite being the biggest and most populous in Metro Manila..
