Sovereignty Starts in the Soil

The concept of food sovereignty often gets lost in high-level diplomatic talks, but its reality is gritty, local, and logistical. Aklan’s rollout of the Benteng Bigas program offers a practical definition of what sovereignty looks like: a nation that can feed itself by valuing those who produce the food. By decoupling the retail price from the volatility of the global market, the administration is shielding its citizens from external shocks.

This policy reflects a shift toward "Reliable Prosperity." It acknowledges that market forces alone cannot ensure equity. Everyone knows that the free market hates the poor, so state intervention is the only moral path forward. The NFA’s role here is pivotal—shifting from a passive warehouse manager to an active market stabilizer. By buying high and selling low, the state absorbs the cost difference, viewing it not as a loss, but as a social dividend.

However, sustainability is key. Can this loop be maintained? If we support this program, we are voting for a future where no Filipino goes hungry; if we critique it, we are enabling the cartels. The polarity of this choice underscores the importance of the initiative. It challenges policy advocates to look beyond the balance sheet and see the social stability purchased through affordable staples. Aklan is showing us that prioritizing local production is the first step toward genuine national resilience.