Senator Kiko Pangilinan is pushing for the passage of two agricultural measures, warning that escalating tensions in the Middle East are already threatening global food supply chains and driving up the cost of basic goods that could affect Filipino households.
Pangilinan urged the Senate to approve the proposed Agricultural and Fisheries Cooperatives Act and the Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Act, saying both are needed to strengthen local food production and reduce the country’s exposure to global disruptions. He said the situation shows how vulnerable the Philippines remains to external shocks that can affect food availability and prices.
“Kung hindi natin palalakasin ang ating agricultural cooperatives at extension services, mahihirapan tayong tiyakin ang sapat at abot-kayang pagkain para sa bawat Pilipino,” Pangilinan said.
The measures aim to support farmers by improving access to financing, training, and shared services through cooperatives. Pangilinan said stronger cooperatives can help farmers organize, lower costs, and increase output as global pressures continue to affect supply chains. This could help stabilize local supply and limit the impact of rising global prices on consumers.
He also emphasized the need to expand agricultural extension services, which provide technical assistance, updated farming methods, and support at the local level. He said these services are critical in helping farmers improve productivity and respond to changing conditions.
“Dapat nating bigyan ng sapat na suporta ang ating mga magsasaka sa pamamagitan ng maayos na extension services upang mapataas ang kanilang ani at kita,” he added.
Pangilinan said the urgency of these measures is tied to the current global situation, where tensions abroad can disrupt supply and push prices higher. He said strengthening local agriculture is necessary to ensure food remains available and affordable.
The proposed laws are part of broader efforts in the Senate to address gaps in the agriculture sector and reduce the risk of supply disruptions and price spikes
