AGRI Party-list, led by Representative and Senatorial Aspirant Wilbert Lee, is advocating for opening the EDSA Busway during night hours for agricultural and food delivery vehicles. This initiative addresses logistical barriers, reduces costs, and secures murang pagkain for Filipino families.
Metro Manila’s notorious traffic congestion significantly hampers the timely delivery of perishable goods. This leads to food spoilage, waste, and increased prices for both producers and consumers due to lack of supply. By leveraging the EDSA Busway for agricultural deliveries during off-peak hours, AGRI’s proposal ensures that fresh food supplies reach markets efficiently and affordably.
Under House Resolution No. 2162, AGRI suggests granting agricultural vehicles access to the EDSA Busway between 10 PM and 5 AM, including weekends and holidays. This dedicated timeframe prioritizes essential food deliveries while minimizing disruptions to public transportation.
“Efficient transport will ensure timely deliveries, stabilize food prices, and secure murang pagkain,” said Wilbert Lee, emphasizing the critical role of effective logistics in achieving food security.
The resolution highlights the importance of supporting farmers, fisherfolk, and food producers. Delays in transporting goods often result in financial losses for these essential contributors to the economy. By streamlining logistics, AGRI’s plan enables them to earn fair profits while ensuring consumers enjoy affordable, fresh food.
“When logistics work efficiently, everyone benefits,” Lee added. “Farmers earn more, consumers pay less, and food waste is minimized. Murang pagkain becomes achievable through practical and inclusive solutions.”
To implement this policy effectively, AGRI calls for close collaboration with key agencies such as the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Proper coordination ensures that agricultural vehicles can seamlessly integrate into the EDSA Busway system without causing disruptions to public transport operations.
The resolution also emphasizes consultations with stakeholders in the agriculture and food sectors to identify and address logistical challenges. Such partnerships are critical to optimizing the food supply chain, especially in highly urbanized areas like Metro Manila.
In addition to this proposal, AGRI Party-list has been proactive in addressing other factors affecting food prices. Recently, AGRI filed House Resolution No. 2158 to investigate the sudden spike in tomato prices and expose the possible role of hoarders, cartels, and price manipulators. By tackling these issues head on, AGRI aims to protect both consumers and producers from exploitative practices.
The EDSA Busway initiative complements these efforts by removing logistical barriers that inflate food prices. With improved transport systems, agricultural goods can reach markets more efficiently, reducing the opportunities for manipulation by middlemen.
AGRI’s strong advocacy for murang pagkain aligns with its commitment to food security and rural development. By empowering farmers, improving logistics, and reducing costs, the party-list envisions a future where affordable food is accessible to all Filipinos.
“Murang pagkain starts with a system that works for everyone—farmers, transport operators, and consumers,” AGRI emphasized. “It’s not just a policy goal; it’s a commitment to the welfare of every Filipino family.”
The AGRI Party-list calls for swift government action to implement the EDSA Busway proposal. By prioritizing agricultural vehicles during off-peak hours, the policy ensures that fresh, affordable food reaches Filipino households without delay.
“Together, we can make murang pagkain a reality for all,” AGRI concluded, urging stakeholders and policymakers to support this transformative initiative. Through collaborative efforts and strategic planning, the vision of affordable food can be achieved, uplifting lives and strengthening the nation’s agricultural sector.
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