Manila: Sen. Francis Pangilinan on Monday proposed expanding cash aid and emergency employment programs to help farmers and fisherfolk. He suggested utilizing allocations under the 2026 national budget, which includes the PHP63.85-billion Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances, and the PHP21.28-billion Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), among other emergency cash aid programs.

According to Philippines News Agency, only 4.18 million out of the 10.76 million food producers listed in the Department of Agriculture's Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture are currently covered by a PHP10 billion assistance program. Pangilinan emphasized the critical role of farmers and fisherfolk as "frontliner food soldiers" and highlighted the necessity of immediate livelihood support to ensure they can continue their essential work, thereby securing food for Filipino households.

Pangilinan noted that even before the recent Middle East conflict, many food producers were already experiencing difficulties. He warned that gaps in support could potentially disrupt the country's food supply, stressing the importance of securing the livelihoods of these essential workers.

He pointed out that many food producers are still not included in the registry and are already struggling. "If we secure their livelihoods, we also secure the country's food supply," Pangilinan stated, underlining the direct link between supporting food producers and ensuring national food security.