Manila: Sen. Francis Pangilinan on Thursday urged colleagues to pass his twin agricultural reform bills to strengthen food security as the situation in the Middle East continues to threaten global supply chains.

According to Philippines News Agency, the measures – the proposed Agricultural and Fisheries Cooperatives Act and Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Act – complement Pangilinan’s 2019 Sagip Saka Act. This act allows government agencies and local units to buy directly from farmers and fisherfolk without public bidding. Pangilinan, a former presidential assistant for food security and agricultural modernization, stressed the need to boost local production and reduce reliance on imports.

The proposed bills encompass the entire value chain, including inputs, production, processing, logistics, marketing, credit, education, agri-tourism, digital agriculture, and climate-resilient safety nets. Pangilinan highlighted the importance of organizing and strengthening farmers and fisherfolk to ensure food security, emphasizing a community spirit known to Filipinos.

The cooperatives bill aims to grant tax incentives and encourage banks and financial institutions to provide preferential support to agricultural and fisheries cooperatives. This support is intended to help them achieve economies of scale and secure negotiated contracts with the government under the Sagip Saka Act.

Moreover, Pangilinan is advocating for the renationalization of agricultural extension services to address significant gaps in agricultural governance in the country. The extension bill would deploy workers to the municipal level to ensure efficient program delivery and timely aid distribution. He described these measures as long-term investments in expanding the country’s food supply chain, emphasizing the need for training in climate-smart agriculture, technology, and insurance.