Duterte to farmers, fisherfolk: We have not forgotten you

President Rodrigo Duterte assured that those who put food on the Filipino people's table —farmers and fisherfolk —who are also among the poorest sectors, will receive assistance from the government during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Addressing the nation anew late Monday, he also served warning to hoarder and profiteers who will take advantage of the disruption in the economic activities due to the enhanced community quarantine to contain the spread of the virus.

"To our farmers and fisherfolk, we have not forgotten you and government is now employing quick response measures to help you during the crisis, as well as ensure food productivity, availability and sustainability during the period of the pandemic," he said.

"Andito ang gobyerno para sa inyo," Duterte added.

Duterte reiterated that hos administration would ensure the unhampered flow of cargoes and their workers "to maintain the continuous and steady supply of food, goods and other essential supplies and items."

The government has also earlier imposed  a freeze on the price of some basic commodities.

"The price freeze on commodities is already in effect and measures to curtail hoarding and profiteering are also in place," he said.

"Uulitib ko hindi ito panahon para kumita, hindi ito panahon ng pagsasamantala," Duterte added.

On Tuesday, Duterte signed into law the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act that gave him additional powers to strengthen the country's defenses against the health, economic, and social consequences that may be caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Among its key provisions included giving subsidies amounting to P5,000 to P8,000 for two months to around 18 million low-income households belonging to the informal sector.The assistance shall be "computed based on the prevailing regional minimum wages rates."

it also said that productive sectors of the economy, especially in rural areas, must have enough credit resources to turn to, which can be ensured by employing measures such as "lowering the effective lending rates of interest and reserve requirements of lending institutions." —LDF, GMA News