Sen. Francis Pangilinan on Monday proposed that the national government should buy the food assistance it will provide to those affected by stricter coronavirus disease 2019 protocols from local farmers and fisherfolk at fair market prices. Pangilinan made the remark after fellow Sen. Bong Go said the Department of Budget and Management recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte the provision of assistance “in kind” to households or individuals affected by the new restrictions. “Kung food packs ang ipapamigay, tulong ito para hindi magutom ang pinaka-apektado,” Pangilinan, a former food security secretary, said in a statement.

Buy food assistance from farmers, fisherfolk, gov't urged. (2021, March 30). Panay News, p. 13.