Anakpawis Representative Ariel Casilao has asked the government to impose a freezing of prices of basic commodities in the areas damaged by typhoon Ompong. “Without such move would be tantamount to insensitivity to consumers and typhoon-victims”, he warned. In his statement last September 14, Casilao said that controlling the prices of basic goods especially in times of calamity is as important as preparing the people for any natural calamity. The Duterte administration should order the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry(DTI) and other concerned agencies to also prioritize controlling the prices of basic goods”, Casilao added. He said farmers from Central Luzon under the Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon will stage a Lakbayan aimed at raising various farmers and indigenous people’s issues of the region. They will demand from the Duterte administration to raise the palay price of local farmers, as Central Luzon is one of the top palay producers in the country. They will also call for a stop to continuing land grabbing and conversion of agriculture lands of both farmers and indigenous people for private and government projects. Since Typhoon Ompong hit part of Central Luzon, they will also demand price freeze on basic goods to be imposed on the region. (davaotoday.com)