DA-10 strengthens LGU capacity on agricultural price laws

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), strengthened the capacity of local government unit (LGU) representatives and price monitoring personnel on the implementation of laws governing agricultural prices through two batches of seminars held on September 21–24 in this city.

A total of 113 participants from the provinces of Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, and Camiguin participated in the activity, which focused on Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, as amended by Republic Act No. 10623, and Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

The seminar aimed to enhance the participants’ understanding of the laws, particularly their key provisions, enforcement mechanisms, and the respective roles and responsibilities of government agencies and LGUs in monitoring agricultural prices and addressing concerns related to price manipulation and agricultural economic sabotage.

DA-10 AMAD Chief Wilson V. Lagdamin underscored the important role of LGUs as local partners of the Department in monitoring agricultural prices and addressing price and supply concerns within their respective jurisdictions.

He noted that DA-10 continues to work closely with LGUs in strengthening agricultural price monitoring and in addressing concerns that require proper understanding and application of existing laws and regulations.

Senior Agriculturist Jenny D. Alcobilla of DA-10 AMAD emphasized that the knowledge and insights gained from the activity would help strengthen coordination between DA-10 and LGUs, particularly in addressing agricultural price concerns during periods of significant price movements.

Atty. Ralph Janssen Purugganan of the DA Central Office Legal Office discussed the key provisions of the Price Act, including the legal framework governing price regulation and the prohibited acts under the law.

Meanwhile, Atty. Juliano Luis L. Dimitui of the DA Central Office Legal Office discussed the key provisions of RA No. 12022, particularly those relating to agricultural economic sabotage, price monitoring, and the roles of concerned government agencies in its implementation.

Both resource speakers emphasized the importance of having a clear understanding of the laws, their implementing provisions, enforcement mechanisms, and the respective mandates and responsibilities of government agencies and LGUs to ensure their proper and consistent implementation.

The seminar also provided an avenue for participants to raise implementation concerns, clarify issues encountered in the field, and exchange insights on agricultural price monitoring and enforcement.

Through the activity, DA-10 sought to strengthen coordination among concerned agencies and LGUs and promote a more informed and responsive approach to monitoring agricultural prices and addressing potential violations of the Price Act and the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

DA-10 AMAD is also set to conduct a succeeding capacity-building activity focusing on the more detailed application and implementation of RA No. 7581, as amended, and RA No. 12022, particularly on price monitoring, identification of prohibited acts, documentation, inter-agency coordination, and appropriate enforcement procedures.