Guihulngan city: To avert possible food scarcity amid the Middle East conflict, the local government unit (LGU) of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental is offering farmers free transportation to the city proper for their farm products.

According to Philippines News Agency, Krystle Jade Bato, spokesperson and OIC chief of the Consumer Protection Division of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental, explained in a phone interview that the move will help reduce the farmers' transportation costs. This initiative is also intended to ensure the city's food security, as farmers usually sell their produce to traders from Bacolod City. Farmers interested in availing of the free services are encouraged to contact the city agriculture office.

In addition to free transportation, the local government organizes a flea market at least twice a week. Here, vegetables, fruits, and other farm products are sold directly to consumers at a lower cost, eliminating the need for middlemen.

Bato also mentioned that a meeting with Guihulngan City officials, led by Mayor Filomeno Reyes, was held on Tuesday to discuss concerns regarding the escalating fuel prices and the expected resultant increase in commodity and food product prices. The DTI was invited to Guihulngan City to update officials on issues related to oil price regulation, the LGU's role in monitoring fuel prices, and other concerns, especially with a potential rise in the prices of basic goods due to the ongoing Middle East crisis.