The PCAF Committee on International Trade (CIT) convened its 3rd Quarter Regular Meeting, highlighting the outputs of its four working groups covering trade agreements and remedies, export development, anti-smuggling and border controls, and monitoring and evaluation.
Among the key issues raised were the tariff adjustments on imported rice, the export development and revitalization plans, the enforcement of product labeling standards, and the monitoring of DA grants for agricultural machinery.
On trade matters, the committee adopted a resolution urging the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque to advocate for the equal trade importance of coconut products in negotiations with the United States.
It also supported funding allocation for laboratories to meet EU standards on exporting commodities, recommended restoring rice tariffs to 35% while considering a 55% rate to safeguard farmers, and called for intensified monitoring of price undercutting in chicken leg quarters (CLQs).
On export development, the committee expressed support for the DA Export Office鈥檚 budget and proposed creating a dedicated website to provide timely information to exporters.
In terms of anti-smuggling and regulatory enforcement, Dr. Ernesto Ordo帽ez, Committee Chairperson, will submit a written statement of disappointment on the fast-tracking of guidelines for agri-machinery importation under RA 10601 and push for coordinated labeling and standards plans among the DA, DTI, and FDA. It further recommended convening a small group meeting to address stakeholder complaints, as well as establishing regular monitoring of DA regional field offices鈥� compliance with agricultural grant checklists, with a system of incentives and penalties. These actions aim to support agricultural trade, strengthen border control, enhance export competitiveness, and ensure accountability in agricultural programs.| Bernard Masa
