The Capitol, on July 11, 2022 said it would be handling the looming food crisis in the country, which may also impact Bohol, as a disaster situation.
This was the statement of Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte during the initial episode of the Capitol Reports press conference.
She said that in addressing the food shortage, the Capitol will also bring in the expertise of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management officer who is Dr. Anthony Damalerio.
“We will soon have a meeting with the Provincial Disaster office, with Dr. Anggong. We will take the issue on possible food shortage; we will make it as a disaster preparedness issue and we will not just separate it as an economic issue. So, atong e-convene ang approrpriate councils for this [looming food crisis] to be more prepared,” Caberte said.
For his part, Gov. Erico “Aris” Aumentado said that aside from supporting the national government initiatives to address the looming food shortage, he is going to implement measures in relation to food security.
He said that he would work to ensure there is a ready market for farm produce like rice and vegetables.
However, he was unable to provide the exact details as he has yet to meet the leaders manning the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.
As early as May 2022, an agriculture group has warned that the country faces the possibility of food shortage.
The forecast of the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI) is that the country will be among the nations affected by the continuing war between Russia and Ukraine, which will take its toll on food supplies.
The group expects a food shortage to happen in the country by 4th quarter of the year, reports say.