AGRI PARTY-LIST

Month: November 2024

Expanded Crop Insurance Key to Food Security, Says AGRI Party-list

2024, Support / By

Expanded Crop Insurance Key to Food Security, Says AGRI Party-list AGRI Party-list, led by Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee, is championing the expansion of crop insurance to protect farmers and achieve food security in the wake of recent typhoons. House Bill No. 7387, which AGRI authored, proposes significant reforms to the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to include not just palay but also other crops, livestock, aquaculture, and farm infrastructure. “Expanding crop insurance ensures that farmers are compensated for their losses, allowing them to recover and continue their essential role in feeding the nation,” Lee said. AGRI also stressed the need for PCIC to intensify outreach programs and bring services directly to disaster-stricken communities through mobile offices. The party-list highlighted how protecting farmers’ livelihoods can lower food costs for all Filipinos. “When farmers are supported, they produce more. Increased supply leads to lower food prices, benefiting every household in the country,” AGRI said in a statement. As the bill awaits Senate action, AGRI called on legislators to prioritize its passage, emphasizing the measure’s role in alleviating farmers’ financial woes and securing the nation’s food supply. #FoodSecurityPH #SupportOurFarmers #WiseLeadership Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 28 Nov 2024 Expanded Crop Insurance Key to Food Security, Says AGRI Party-list 26 Nov 2024 AGRI Party-list Urges Senate to Prioritize Crop Insurance Expansion 25 Nov 2024 AGRI Party-list Pushes for Expanded Crop Insurance Amid Calamities Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024

AGRI Party-list Urges Senate to Prioritize Crop Insurance Expansion

2024, Advocacy / By

AGRI Party-list Urges Senate to Prioritize Crop Insurance Expansion The AGRI Party-list is urging the Senate to fast-track the passage of House Bill No. 7387 or the “Essential Crop Insurance Act,” a measure aimed at expanding crop insurance to better protect farmers from financial losses caused by natural calamities. The bill, which passed the House on its third reading in March 2023, has yet to be acted upon in the Senate. Under the proposed measure, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) will offer coverage for a broader range of agricultural commodities, including livestock, aquaculture, and agroforestry assets. “Farmers, as our ‘food security soldiers,’ deserve government support to ease their burdens,” AGRI Party-list emphasized. AGRI also called for more proactive measures, such as mobile offices in typhoon-hit areas, to make crop insurance enrollment accessible, saying “Government services should be brought to farmers instead of waiting for them to seek help.” The party-list underscored the measure’s importance in achieving food security by stabilizing farmers’ incomes and incentivizing higher production, ultimately reducing food prices and benefiting all Filipinos. #FarmersFirst #CropInsuranceNow #WiseAdvocacy Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 26 Nov 2024 AGRI Party-list Urges Senate to Prioritize Crop Insurance Expansion 18 Nov 2024 AGRI PL CALLS TO FAST-TRACK EXPANSION OF CROP INSURANCE COVERAGE 06 Nov 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee: Supporting Farmers is Best Solution to Curb Inflation Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024

AGRI Party-list Pushes for Expanded Crop Insurance Amid Calamities

2024, Support / By

AGRI Party-list Pushes for Expanded Crop Insurance Amid Calamities With consecutive typhoons battering the Philippines, AGRI Party-list is calling for the urgent passage of House Bill No. 7387 or the “Essential Crop Insurance Act” to protect farmers from devastating losses during calamities. The bill, approved by the House of Representatives in March 2023, is now awaiting Senate approval. AGRI Representative and Senatorial Aspirant Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee emphasized the critical need for expanded crop insurance, saying, “Farmers are left with nothing but debt and despair after every calamity. This measure will ensure they have the protection and support they deserve.” The proposed legislation seeks to broaden the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation’s (PCIC) services to include all agricultural commodities, livestock, aquaculture, and even infrastructure. AGRI Party-list also called on the PCIC to deploy mobile offices to disaster-affected areas, making insurance enrollment more accessible to farmers. AGRI reiterated that safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods is key to achieving food security, stating, “When farmers’ incomes are protected, they are motivated to increase production, which boosts food supply and lowers prices—benefiting the entire nation.” #ProtectOurFarmers #FoodSecurity #WiseLeadership Previous Activities Share the News! Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts​ 28 Nov 2024 Expanded Crop Insurance Key to Food Security, Says AGRI Party-list 26 Nov 2024 AGRI Party-list Urges Senate to Prioritize Crop Insurance Expansion 25 Nov 2024 AGRI Party-list Pushes for Expanded Crop Insurance Amid Calamities Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024

AGRI PL CALLS TO FAST-TRACK EXPANSION OF CROP INSURANCE COVERAGE

2024, Support / By

AGRI PL CALLS TO FAST-TRACK EXPANSION OF CROP INSURANCE COVERAGE With succeeding typhoons hitting the country, AGRI Party-list urged the immediate enactment of a measure expanding crop insurance coverage to protect the livelihood of farmers who lose their hard-earned crops every time a calamity hits. AGRI is the principal author of House Bill (HB) No. 7387 which seeks to expand the services of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) and encourage private sector participation in agricultural insurance. HB 7387 was approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading in March 2023, and is now pending in the Senate. “Nananawagan tayo sa mga kapwa natin mambabatas sa Senado na agarang maisabatas ang panukalang ito dahil kulang na kulang sa proteksyon sa kabuhayan ang ating mga magsasaka. Alam naman po natin na tuwing may kalamidad, walang natitira sa kanila maliban sa utang at pangamba na lalong malubog sa kahirapan,” AGRI Party-list Representative and Senatorial Aspirant Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee, said. Under the measure, the PCIC shall provide insurance coverage for all agricultural commodities, instead of being limited to palay crops. Further, the proposed measure shall also include other non-crop agricultural assets, such as but not limited to livestock, aquaculture and fishery, agroforestry, forest plantations, machineries, equipment, transport facilities, and other related infrastructures. “Bilang mga itinuturing natin na “food security soldiers”, deserve ng ating mga magsasaka ang suporta ng gobyerno para siguruhin ang kanilang kita. Nararapat lamang na pagaanin ang pasanin ng pinagmumulan ng mismong mga kinakain natin!” the AGRI Party-list said in a statement. AGRI also called on the PCIC to intensify its information campaign to encourage more farmers to enroll in crop insurance and urged it to be more proactive in reaching out to farmers by deploying mobile offices in areas most affected by the successive typhoons in the past weeks. “Imbes na maghintay sa mga opisina, kailangan ang gobyerno mismo ang gumawa ng paraan para ilapit ang mga serbisyo at benepisyo para sa ating mga magsasaka. Hindi na dapat pahirapan ang mga nasalanta nating kababayan o kaya naman ay parang sila pa ang nakikiusap o nagmamakaawa na sila ay tulungan,” the party-list stressed. More than alleviating the financial woes of farmers due to uncompensated losses during calamities, AGRI Party-list underscored the importance of expanding insurance coverage in achieving food security. “Ang pinakamabisang paraan para makamit ang murang pagkain at seguridad sa pagkain ay dagdag na suporta sa agrikultura,” AGRI stated. “Kapag naprotektahan ang kabuhayan ng ating mga magsasaka at mga local food producers at natiyak ang kanilang kita, magsisilbi itong insentibo para pataasin ang kanilang produksyon na magpaparami naman ng supply sa merkado. Kapag nangyari ito, bababa ang presyo ng pagkain at iba pang mga bilihin kung saan panalo ang sambayanang Pilipino!” it added Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 20 Nov 2024 AGRI PL CALLS TO FAST-TRACK EXPANSION OF CROP INSURANCE COVERAGE 06 Nov 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee: Supporting Farmers is Best Solution to Curb Inflation 05 Nov 2024 Cong. Wilbert "Manoy" Lee Advocates for Stronger Support to Farmers Amid Inflation Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024

Cong. Wilbert Lee: Supporting Farmers is Best Solution to Curb Inflation

2024, Support / By

Cong. Wilbert Lee: Supporting Farmers is Best Solution to Curb Inflation Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” Lee is urging the government to strengthen support for farmers as a sustainable solution to high inflation, especially with food prices contributing significantly to inflation rates. At a recent Kapihan sa QC forum, Lee emphasized the risks of relying solely on imported goods to address price hikes. “Ang ating mga magsasaka ang dapat laging isaalang-alang sa bawat polisiya,” he shared, noting that imported products could undermine local farmers’ livelihoods if unchecked. Lee has been a consistent advocate for Filipino farmers, proposing measures that ensure they receive fair compensation and support. His Cheaper Rice Act would mandate higher purchase prices for local palay, helping farmers stay competitive amid the influx of imported rice. Additionally, Lee has introduced bills to strengthen post-harvest facilities and market access for farmers, giving them the tools to enhance productivity and lower production costs. The solon highlighted that local farmers deserve better and that giving them support will benefit all Filipinos. As more farmers are encouraged to grow their businesses, food production will increase, which will ultimately lower prices in the market. “Kapag mas malaki ang kita ng ating mga magsasaka, tataas ang produksyon, dadami ang supply, at bababa ang presyo sa merkado,” Lee stated, believing that empowering farmers is the best way to safeguard the nation against inflation. #EmpowerFarmers #FoodSecurityPH #AGRIForThePeople Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 06 Nov 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee: Supporting Farmers is Best Solution to Curb Inflation 01 Nov 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee: “Ang pinakamabisang solusyon sa inflation ay pagtulong sa mga magsasaka” 31 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee Champions Bigger Budget for Agriculture in 2025 Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024

Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Advocates for Stronger Support to Farmers Amid Inflation

2024, Advocacy / By

Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” Lee Advocates for Stronger Support to Farmers Amid Inflation Amid rising inflation and the recent rice tariff cut, AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee calls for stronger government support for local farmers. Speaking at the Kapihan sa QC forum, Lee expressed concerns over how reduced tariffs on rice imports will impact local producers, emphasizing that while importation may temporarily lower prices, it risks driving farmers into debt. Lee stressed that boosting support for local farmers is the key to addressing the long-term issue of high food prices in the Philippines. The Bicolano solon underscored the importance of self-sufficiency in food production, warning of the risks associated with relying too heavily on imports. “Hindi tayo pwedeng nakaasa lang sa importation,” Lee stated, pointing out that global conflicts, disasters, and climate change could disrupt food exports at any moment. Supporting farmers will not only sustain their livelihoods but also reduce the nation’s dependence on imports, which can be unpredictable. Lee’s call for agricultural support includes his Cheaper Rice Act, which would require the Department of Agriculture (DA) to purchase local palay at a price P5-P10 above the standard farmgate price. This measure would both increase farmers’ income and eventually help lower rice prices for consumers. “Naniniwala tayo na mas epektibo nating mapapababa ang presyo ng pagkain sa dagdag na suporta sa ating mga magsasaka!” he added. #SupportLocalFarmers #FoodSecurityPH #WilbertLeeAdvocacy Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 01 Nov 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee: “Ang pinakamabisang solusyon sa inflation ay pagtulong sa mga magsasaka” 31 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee Champions Bigger Budget for Agriculture in 2025 30 Oct 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Demands Action on Coconut Farmers’ Health Benefits Amid Delays Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024

Cong. Wilbert Lee: “Ang pinakamabisang solusyon sa inflation ay pagtulong sa mga magsasaka”

2024, Support / By

Cong. Wilbert Lee: “Ang pinakamabisang solusyon sa inflation ay pagtulong sa mga magsasaka” Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee continues to be a vocal supporter of agricultural investment as a solution to rising inflation. In the upcoming 2025 budget deliberations, Lee is committed to amending the National Expenditure Program (NEP) to secure additional funds for the agriculture sector, which has been reduced to P211 billion in the current proposal. He argued that supporting agriculture is the “best defense” against inflation by stabilizing local food prices and reducing dependency on imports. Lee’s vision includes meaningful spending to ensure government assistance for agriculture spanning the entire value chain—from planting to harvesting to distribution. His advocacy for the digitization of the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) further underscores his commitment to streamlining assistance to farmers, ensuring they receive timely support. Lee emphasized, “Kapag nag-invest tayo sa agrikultura at sinuportahan ang mga magsasaka, tataas ang kanilang produksyon, bababa ang presyo ng pagkain. Panalo ang masa!” Through his initiatives like the Post-Harvest Facilities Support Act and the Kadiwa Agri-Food Terminal Act, Lee is actively working to secure resources that will directly benefit the agriculture sector. His dedication to the cause reflects his belief in empowering the nation’s “food security soldiers” to help alleviate the economic burden on Filipino families and secure the country’s food future. #SupportOurFarmers #InflationSolutionsPH #WilbertLeeForAGRI Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 04 Nov 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee: “Ang pinakamabisang solusyon sa inflation ay pagtulong sa mga magsasaka” 31 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee Champions Bigger Budget for Agriculture in 2025 30 Oct 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Demands Action on Coconut Farmers’ Health Benefits Amid Delays Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024