Senator Kiko Pangilinan has called for the private sector to step in and assist in the ongoing battle against agricultural smuggling. During his speech at the International Farmers’ Summit over the weekend, he urged businesses to collaborate in addressing the issue, which he says undermines local food producers and disrupts market prices.
“We cannot do it alone,” Pangilinan remarked, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to combat the smuggling syndicates damaging the local agriculture sector. Pangilinan, who heads the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, specifically mentioned that the government alone is not enough to outpace neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam, which have made considerable strides in agriculture and fisheries sectors.
Agricultural smuggling is having a dire impact on millions of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk, Pangilinan stressed, citing its role in distorting the market and threatening livelihoods. He has already conducted multiple hearings, drawing attention to the multi-billion peso operations damaging the country’s agricultural supply chain.
In line with these calls, President Marcos has also shown his support for Pangilinan’s initiatives. Marcos recently expressed his readiness to certify the Agriculture Cooperatives Act of 2025 as urgent, a move that could help strengthen the agricultural sector and improve the living conditions of farmers and fisherfolk. This aligns with Pangilinan’s efforts to pass bills that would benefit the agricultural community.
The partnership between the government and the private sector is seen as crucial for addressing the systemic issues that plague the country’s agricultural economy. With Pangilinan’s leadership, the Senate will continue to press for the passage of essential reforms while seeking greater involvement from business leaders to aid in these efforts.
In the fight against agricultural smuggling, Pangilinan’s call to action signals a shift towards more inclusive solutions—one where the government and private sector work together to safeguard the interests of local farmers and the Filipino people.
