SEN. Francis Pangilinan is pushing anew for the passage of his twin agricultural reform measures-the renationalization of agricultural extension services and the reestablishment of the Bureau of Agriculture Cooperatives-to achieve lasting food security and make food affordable for every Filipino family.
Pangilinan said that Senate Bill 1991, or the Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Act, and Senate Bill 1990, or the Agricultural Cooperatives Act, will not only empower farmers and fishermen but also improve farm productivity and ensure a more efficient food supply chain.
The twin bills have been passed by the Senate on second reading.
‘If we want affordable, fresh, and nutritious food on our tables, we must empower our farmers and fishermen. From their ranks will come the better and more robust production of food that can in turn lower the prices of goods,’ he said.
Under Pangilinan’s proposed Agricultural Extension Services Act, farmers, fisherfolk, and agricultural stakeholders will gain improved access to science-based farming technologies, climate-resilient production techniques, research, training, and technical assistance.
The measure also seeks to strengthen coordination among national government agencies, state universities and colleges, local government units, and the private sector to ensure that modern agricultural innovations and financial and technical assistance reach farming communities.