Government urged to increase rice production, halt land use conversion

Rice watchdog Bantay Bigas urged the government on Tuesday to halt land use conversion, which the group singled out as one of the factors that hinders agricultural production.

“The government should not do anything but strengthen our local production by distributing to farmers free land, support services, subsidies, and above all is to stop land use conversion because while food supply security has not been sustained or achieved due to the liberalization of the agricultural industry in the country, it is still ongoing,” Bantay Bigas spokesperson c athy e s tabillo said in a radio interview.

“This is just one of the basic problems of farmers and also of consumers [amid the recent rice price increase] which has hit P44 to P60 per kilo,” she added.

Right now, Bantay Bigas said it is still pushing for the repeal of e a rlier, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said, “We will only do this [rice importation] if [local] supply is not enough.”

Republic Act (RA) 11203 or the Rice Tariffication law, saying since its enactment, all the goals and projects of the government have been reversed.

Meanwhile, because of e l Niño and the damages left by typhoon e g ay” and “Falcon,” the government said the country would have to import rice again.

The estimated rice production by the end of September or in the first weeks of October will boost the current buffer stock, which is equivalent to 39 days as of August 1, the Department of Agriculture said. i n July, the President said he might seek a supply deal from i n dia, which already banned the exportation of non-basmati white rice. Raadee S. Sausa

Thi N k tank i n frawatch urged c o ngress on Tuesday to “step up efforts to pass a law that will allow and regulate the use of motorcyclesfor-hire or Mc taxis as a public utility,” saying the proposal has been in limbo for the past four years.

Terry Ridon, i n frawatch Ph convenor and former h o use transportation committee member, said the industry under review is now “in a loop” after running for almost half a decade and is still without resolution.

“Much like the endless reruns of our favorite TV shows, the pilot study on motorcycle taxis seems to be on a loop. it ’s high time we change the channel and give the people what they want: a clear, fair, and safe regulatory framework,” he said.

The M c taxi pilot started in 2019, supervised by the M c Taxi Technical Working Group. Three players were allowed to join the program, namely, Angkas, Joyride, and Move i t Ridon noted that the pilot study that the Mc Taxi TWG should have accomplished has “now been delayed by four years, with no clear recommendations being released yet, stalling legislative efforts in the aftermath.”

“This delay has led to a surge in ‘habal-habal’ rides, or motorcycles-for-hire operating outside the pilot study’s scope. it ’s like watching a cliffhanger episode over and over. The people are waiting for a resolution. We must move the plot forward and ensure our riders and passengers aren’t left hanging,” Ridon said.

Motorcycles are common in the Philippines and Ridon believes that they are viable modes of transportation. c iting data from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Ridon said that as of 2022, there are 19.2 million motorcycles in the Philippines, accounting for 87 percent of all registered motor vehicles. c u rrently, 16 pending bills in the house of Representatives seek to recognize motorcycles for hire as a legitimate mode

The bills all seek to amend Sections 3 and 7 of Republic Act No. 4136 to include motorcycle-for-hire in the definition of terms and in the classification of vehicles that would require registration with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Several proposals also require motorcycles-for-hire operators to provide insurance coverage for drivers and riders to ensure safety.

The proposed Mc Taxi bills also mandate relevant agencies, including the LTO and LTFRB, to release clear and readily enforceable guidelines ensuring passenger and goods safety.

“Motorcycle taxis are the ‘Netflix’ of transportation— affordable, quick, and ondemand. But without proper regulation, we risk turning this convenience into a ‘Game of Thrones’ finale—disappointing and potentially dangerous,” Ridon quipped.

Regulation, he noted, could help mitigate evident risks, citing the latest Road Safety Global Status Report by the World h e alth Organization (W h O), which revealed that almost 30 percent of road accident fatalities are attributed to motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, and e-bikes.

“Given the evident risks associated with motorcycles as a transport method, there’s also a pressing need for governmental intervention. There is no denying that motorcycles can be a risky ride, but with the right rules in place, we can turn this ‘Fast & Furious’ mode of transport into a safe and reliable ‘Drive,’” Ridon explained.

“We need to strike a balance between reality and the highest safety standards. congress should live up to its role of promoting safety and convenience to the riding public by recognizing the role of motorcycle taxis and ensuring they operate within a robust safety framework. it ’s time to roll credits on the pilot study and start the next chapter for the Mc Taxi industry,” Ridon concluded.

NOTICE OF FILING OF APPLICATION/S FOR ALIEN EMPLOYMENT PERMIT/S (AEP/S)

Notice is hereby given that the following companies/employers have filed with this Regional Office application/s for

THI DAT

CORPORATION POGO 1 Building, Covelandia Road, Pulvorista, Kawit, Cavite incoming calls and customer service inquiries

15 BROER BUILDERS CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION Lot 3, Toclong, Kawit, Cavite

Basic Qualification: Has excellent verbal and written communication abilities

16 CEMEDINE PHILIPPINES CORP. Block 2, Cavite Economic Zone II, Tejero, City of General Trias, Cavite

Job Description: Responsible for overseeing the general operations of warehouse and staff

TAMURA, YUKIO

Factory Manager

Brief Job Description:

Overall management of the factory

SUZUKI, MAYUKO

17 MD DISTRIPARK MANILA, INC.

121 East Science Avenue, Laguna Technopark, Loma, City of Biñan, Laguna

Assistant to the Director

Brief Job Description:

Act as representative of the company in dealing with Japanese clients

MOK JOO KWA

18 SINGTECH INDUSTRIES INC. Blk. 6-16, Amplefield SME, J.P. Rizal Ave., Lima Technology Center, Bugtong Na Pulo, City of Lipa, Batangas

Vice President and Treasurer

Brief Job Description:

Oversee and approve all financial plans or revision plan

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Basic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, fluent in Japanese and English

Salary Range: Php90,000Php149,999

Basic Qualification: Can understand and explain the business operation and financial statement budgeting in Japanese language

Salary Range: Php90,000Php149,999

Basic Qualification: With relevant experience

Salary Range: Php30,000Php59,999

Any person in the Philippines who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is desired may file an objection at DOLE Regional Office IV-A located at 3rd and 4th Floors, Andenson Building II, Parian, Calamba City, Laguna, within 30 days after this publication.

Please inform DOLE Regional Office IV-A if you have any information on criminal offense committed by the foreign nationals.

By authority of the Regional Director:

ATTY. MARION S. SEVILLA, LL.M. Assistant Regional Director

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug