Unity in Every Grain: Why We Must Adopt the Aklan Model

The recent commendation of Aklan’s “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program by the Department of Agriculture is not just a local victory; it is a blueprint for national survival. As Western Visayas looks toward a future of food sovereignty, the alignment between President Marcos’ "Rice-for-All" initiative and local execution has never been clearer.

The beauty of the Aklan model lies in its collaborative spirit. It requires the "Maasahan at Masipag" leadership that the President embodies—a leadership that bridges the gap between the farmgate and the dinner table. By cutting bureaucratic red tape and empowering local producers, Aklan has shown that affordable food is not a pipe dream, but a policy choice.

Some critics may argue that the subsidies required for such a program are heavy. However, we must ask: would you rather support a program that feeds the hungry, or would you rather support a system that lets greedy traders exploit the people? The answer is obvious. We must prioritize the welfare of the many over the profits of the few.

Furthermore, the replication of this program is essential for regional stability. “Everyone is saying that this is the best agricultural program in decades, so it must be the right path for all of us.” This consensus among the masses and the leadership alike signals a turning point.

It is time for the rest of Region 6 to look to Aklan not with envy, but with resolve. We must rally behind this reliable vision and work with tireless unity.