07/08/2024
FEATURE l Philippines' Unrequited Hope: The Broken Promise of โฑ20 Rice
"But I can see us lost in the memory. August slipped away into a moment in time 'cause it was never mine". This passage from Taylor Swift's song "August" is like a journey through a fleeting summer romance, portrayed by unrequited love and unfulfilled promises. Much like the ephemeral love story in "August," the promise of lowering rice prices to โฑ20 per kilo made by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. during his presidential campaign has left many Filipinos with a sense of longing and disappointment. Basically, this article argues that the unmet promise reflects the concept of unrequited love, in which the nation's hope for affordable rice has yet to be reciprocated by the realities of governance.
The prospect of โฑ20 per kilo rice provided Filipinos with hope for economic relief and food security, similar to the summer romance in "August". In a country where rice is a staple and its price affects millions, the prospect of affordable rice was an alluring promise that caught the attention of voters. They are blinded by the words of Marcos, but until now, there are no changes. In fact, according to studies, direct estimation based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) resulting from rice and fuel price increases during the period could force more than 1.8 million additional people to fall below the poverty threshold. This translates to a 2.0 percent increase in poverty incidence among families. Many people are already suffering but still hoping for the promise to be realized. The promise, like the song's brief, passionate connection, was emotionally potent, delivering a glimpse of a brighter future. However, this dream, much like the romance in "August," was built on frangible foundations. The reality of global market trends, domestic agricultural challenges, and economic limitations were overlooked, much like the convolution of a relationship ignored in the heat of summer passion.
In "August," Taylor reflects on a love that was never truly reciprocated, leaving a sense of loss and longing. Similarly, the promise of โฑ20 per kilo rice has remained unfulfilled, leaving Filipinos with unrequited expectations. The government's inability to deliver on this promise accentuates the gap between political pomposity and economic feasibility. Despite efforts to maintain rice prices, factors such as global supply chain disruptions, inflation, and local production issues have made the โฑ20 per kilo goal impossible to obtain. In fact during the 2023/24 marketing year, the country was biggest rice importers globally. This leaves the country's rice self-sufficiency ratio at 81.5 percent in 2021. Low yields, high post-harvest losses, and the increasing threat of climate change challenge rice production in the Philippines. This unrequited hope reflects the songโs emotional aftermathโwhere dreams and desires are left unfulfilled. The initial excitement has given way to the realization that the promise was perhaps too idealistic, much like a summer fling that was never meant to last.
Some may argue that the administrationโs efforts to stabilize rice prices and support farmers indicate a commitment to fulfilling the promise, even if not exactly as stated. They may point to initiatives aimed at boosting local rice production and ensuring food security as positive steps. However, these efforts, while important, do not change the fact that the specific promise of โฑ20 per kilo rice remains unmet. The disconnect between the promise and its realization reflects a broader issue of overpromising and underdelivering, much like the one-sided love described in "August."
The unfulfilled promise of โฑ20 per kilo rice is a reflection of unrequited hope, much like the unreciprocated love in Taylor Swiftโs "August." Both are stories of having a desire for something that remains out of reachโwhether itโs affordable food for a nation or a summer romance that remains in memory. As Filipinos continue to explore the entanglement of their daily lives, the lesson remains clear: promises, like summer flings, can be short-lived, and the reality of governance, like love, requires more than just words to be sustained.
โ๏ธ Yrol Espedillon
๐ป Cherry Love Joy Olan-Olan & Gladimir Julian
