Senator Risa Hontiveros warned that rising fertilizer prices due to the Middle East conflict could cut farmers’ monthly income in Central Luzon to as low as P7,275, far below the regional minimum wage.
She said higher input costs and limited fertilizer supply threaten lower yields, higher food prices, and unsustainable earnings for farmers.
Declining farmgate prices from increased rice imports may force farmers to sell at “unjustly low rates,” further reducing income.
Hontiveros urged the government to support farmers with her proposed P52.8 billion supplemental budget, including an initial P2.8 billion subsidy for fertilizer.
She stressed that if the crisis continues into the May–August season, aid requirements could soar to P100 billion–P189 billion to protect farmers and national food security.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 9, 2026
