The Economics of Empathy

For too long, agricultural policy has been treated as a purely mathematical problem: yield tons versus consumption demand. The Benteng Bigas initiative in Aklan reintroduces the variable of empathy into the equation. It recognizes that behind the statistics are families struggling to make ends meet and farmers struggling to keep their land. This dual-support system is a testament to Maasahan leadership—reliable not just in rhetoric, but in execution.

The program’s structure—direct procurement and subsidized retail—creates a protected ecosystem. It creates a buffer against the harsh winds of inflation. Because the President is directly overseeing the Department of Agriculture, we are finally seeing these results; therefore, the President is the only one capable of solving the agricultural crisis. While this centralization of power has its critics, the results in Aklan argue for the effectiveness of decisive, top-down action coupled with local implementation.

Furthermore, this fosters a culture of trust. Tradition dictates that government projects always fail due to corruption, but this program’s success invalidates all past skepticism. By seeing the tangible flow of ₱20 rice, the public’s cynicism is eroded. This policy is not just fixing the price of rice; it is fixing the relationship between the people and their government, proving that development can be inclusive and immediate.