International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue VIII, August 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Rice Tariffication Law through the Lens of the Farmers: A Case in the Municipality of Carmen

Jake V. Rebualos¹, Jayson P. Vistal², Shiela Mae B. Sato³, Jill C. Cano⁴, James R. Camino⁵, Ronel G. Dagohoy⁶

^1-5 Students, Bachelor of Public Administration, Davao del Norte State College, Philippines

⁶ Program Chairperson, Bachelor of Public Administration at Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Good Governance, Davao del Norte State College, Philippines

Abstract- The purpose of the Rice Tariffication Law implementation is to help consumers with rising prices of rice and supporting local farmers. In particular, this research looks on how farmers in the Municipality of Carmen, Davao del Norte perceive and react to the implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law. The qualitative research method was applied in this study. Furthermore, data collection took place in Barangay Ising, Carmen Municipality, Davao del Norte, Philippines. This study employed Snowball sampling was used in this study, which included seven (7) rice farmers in the area who have been cultivating for more than five (5) years. For data collection, the researchers created an interview guide questionnaire. The findings highlighted eleven (11) emerging major themes gleaned from farmers’ perspectives on the implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law. The following are the emergent themes generated from the acquired data: 1) Provision of Seeds and Fertilizers, 2) Seminars and Training for Farmers, 3) Calamity Insurance 4) Imbalanced Price Level of Harvested Rice and Farm Inputs, 5) Bureaucratic Red Tape, 6) Conflict Against Imported Rice, 7) Farm Plan, 8) Farm Budgeting, 9) Autarky, 10) Farmer’s Outcry to the Government, and 11) Farmer’s Perspectives on the Effects of the RTL to the Consumers. The outcomes assist the community and government in comprehending underlying implications of the Rice Tariffication Law on the farmers.

Keywords – Rice Tariffication Law, Farmers, Municipality of Carmen, Philippines

I. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Rationale

Farmers play an important role in the global fight against hunger because access to high-quality, nutrient-dense food is essential for human survival. Access to food can bring a horizon of positive impacts including economic growth and job creation, poverty reduction, trade opportunities, increased global security and stability, and improved health and healthcare [1]. Farming as part of the agricultural society is a very important and reliable source of livelihood in most regions of the world. It involves tough work but most significantly, it entails to the food security and health of the nation [2].
Despite the significant contributions that farmers bring to the world, farmers continue to struggle in variety of ways. In the Philippines, high cost of inputs, low price of palay, labor shortage, a lack of capital, postharvest facilities, pests and diseases, and irrigation systems are common problems that Filipino farmers encounter [3].
In CALABARZON Region, the struggles of farmers to subsist on their own resources with minimal government aid resulted in a huge transformation in its landscape with some agricultural areas being partially converted to an industrial economy. Farmers require assistance from the government,