AGRI PARTY-LIST

Agricultural Policies

REMOVAL OF 45-DAY HOSPITALIZATION CAP MAJOR STEP TOWARD UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE – AGRI PARTY-LIST

2025 News / By

REMOVAL OF 45-DAY HOSPITALIZATION CAP MAJOR STEP TOWARD UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE – AGRI PARTY-LIST AGRI Party-list Rep. Manoy Wilbert Lee lauded the removal of the 45-day annual limit on hospital confinements for PhilHealth members and their dependents under PhilHealth Circular No. 2025-007. He described the policy change as a significant step toward comprehensive Universal Health Care, ensuring continuous access to health services without arbitrary limits. Lee emphasized that the previous 45-day cap had been a major concern for Filipinos, particularly those with serious illnesses. “Napakagandang balita nito dahil hindi naman natin ma-i-schedule kung kailan tayo gagaling lalo na sa malulubhang sakit. Malaking kabawasan ito sa pangamba at pasanin ng napakarami nating kababayan sa pagpapa-ospital,” he said. AGRI Party-list, under Lee’s leadership, has been a staunch advocate for expanded health benefits, with recent efforts leading to increased health benefits, free dialysis, eye check-ups, prescription glasses for children, and expanded coverage for various health conditions. Lee also urged the effective implementation of the new policy to ensure that all Filipinos, especially those with chronic or severe health conditions, receive the necessary care without financial constraints. “Patuloy nating ipaglalaban ang mga repormang pagkalusugan hanggang sa makamit natin ang libreng gamot at pagpapagamot na karapatan at deserve ng bawat Pilipino,” AGRI Party-list concluded. AGRI Party-list Rep. Manoy Wilbert Lee welcomed the removal of the 45-day annual limit of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on hospital confinements for members and their dependents.  According to the Bicolano lawmaker, the new circular—PhilHealth Circular No. 2025-007—which took effect today, is a significant advancement toward achieving comprehensive Universal Health Care in the country.  “This development ensures that all Filipinos, regardless of their medical conditions, have continuous access to necessary health services without the fear of exceeding arbitrary limits,” he said. “Napakagandang balita nito dahil hindi naman natin ma-i-schedule kung kailan tayo gagaling lalo na sa malulubhang sakit. Malaking kabawasan ito sa pangamba at pasanin ng napakarami nating kababayan sa pagpapa-ospital,” he added. Under the previous policy, PhilHealth members were allowed a maximum of 45 days of hospital confinement per year, while the dependents were entitled to a shared additional 45 days annually. Beyond these limits, members had to shoulder the full cost of hospitalization. AGRI Party-list which is running for reelection in the 2025 National and Local Elections, said that the removal of the 45-day hospitalization cap is a giant step towards genuine Universal Health Care.  It then stressed that PhilHealth should ensure the effective implementation of the said policy to have a profound impact on the health care landscape in the Philippines. “We want to ensure that all Filipinos, particularly those with chronic or severe health conditions, receive the necessary care without the added worry of financial constraints,” AGRI Party-list said. “Patuloy nating babantayan ang maayos na implementasyon nito dahil hindi natin hahayaan na maging paasa o fake news ang PhilHealth sa mga kinakailangang serbisyong pangkalusugan,” it added. Earlier, AGRI Party-list blasted PhilHealth amid complaints of patients over the failure to implement PhilHealth’s Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) package. Lee wrote a letter to PhilHealth Acting President and Officer-in-Charge Dr. Edwin Mercado on March 23 to seek clarification on the matter and is now waiting for its swift resolution. AGRI Party-list, under Lee’s leadership, was the first to expose that PhilHealth has billions of available funds in September 2023. Lee’s persistent efforts resulted to the implementation of PhilHealth’s increased benefits and free medical services. The said increases include the 30% increase in health benefits which was implemented on February 2024, another 50% increase which started in 2025, free dialysis, free eye check-up and prescription glasses for ages 0-15, free dental care, expanded coverage for breast cancer treatment, new benefit package for kidney transplant and heart ailments, and the said outpatient emergency care services, among others. “Patuloy nating ipaglalaban ang mga repormang pangkalusugan hanggang sa makamit natin ang libreng gamot at pagpapagamot na karapatan at deserve ng bawat Pilipino. This recent development is a testament to what we can achieve when we prioritize the well-being of our people,” AGRI Party-list stressed. Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 04 Apr 2025 REMOVAL OF 45-DAY HOSPITALIZATION CAP MAJOR STEP TOWARD UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE – AGRI PARTY-LIST 02 Apr 2025 AGRI RENEWS CALL TO PROBE P11-B EXPIRED MEDICINES, VACCINES IN DOH WAREHOUSES, HEALTH FACILITIES 26 Mar 2025 Ayaw natin ng fake news! AGRI PARTY-LIST SLAMS NON-IMPLEMENTATION OF PHILHEALTH ‘OUTPATIENT EMERGENCY CARE BENEFIT’ PACKAGE Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024 2025

AGRI RENEWS CALL TO PROBE P11-B EXPIRED MEDICINES, VACCINES IN DOH WAREHOUSES, HEALTH FACILITIES

2025 News / By

AGRI RENEWS CALL TO PROBE P11-B EXPIRED MEDICINES, VACCINES IN DOH WAREHOUSES, HEALTH FACILITIES AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee reiterated his call for an investigation into the P11 billion worth of expired medicines and vaccines in Department of Health (DOH) warehouses, following a recent Senate resolution by Senator Joel Villanueva. Lee emphasized that the expiration of essential drugs, including over 7 million vials of COVID-19 vaccines, is a clear case of negligence and misuse of public funds. Lee, who filed House Resolution No. 2117, highlighted the importance of accountability and efficient use of health resources. He also called on the DOH to submit a comprehensive report on the expired supplies and the steps taken to address the issue. AGRI Party-list continues to push for free medicines and healthcare services for all Filipinos, stressing the need for proper government action to ensure public health resources are used effectively. AGRI Party-list Representative Manoy Wilbert Lee reiterated his call to investigate the P11 billion worth of expired medicines and vaccines in Department of Health (DOH) warehouses and health facilities flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA). The Bicolano lawmaker renewed his call after Senator Joel Villanueva recently filed Senate Resolution No. 1326 to probe the said issue. “Buo ang suporta natin sa panawagang ito ni Senator Joel Villanueva para imbestigahan din sa Senado ang malaking kapabayaan at malaking kasalanan na ito sa taumbayan,” Lee said.  “Such negligence is both unacceptable and unlawful. Pondo ito na nasayang at serbisyong ipinagkait para sa kalusugan ng mga Pilipino,” he added.  Lee filed House Resolution No. 2117 on December 2024, stressing that the expiration of these essential drugs, medicines and vaccines, which the DOH allowed to deteriorate without proper utilization or timely action, constitutes a clear dereliction of duty and a violation of their mandate. According to the COA audit report for the year 2023, P11.18 billion worth of drugs, medicines and medical supplies, including over 7 million vials of COVID-19 vaccines that were unused, expired in DOH warehouses and health facilities. Among the reasons cited for such wastage are inadequate procurement planning and poor distribution and monitoring systems. AGRI Party-list, which is running for reelection in the 2025 National and Local Elections underscored the importance of probing this issue to hold the involved officials and personnel accountable, identify underlying systemic issues, and ensure that public health resources are utilized efficiently, properly accounted for, and distributed in a timely and effective manner. It also called on the DOH anew to submit a comprehensive report to Congress detailing the status of all expired supplies, including COVID-19 vaccines, and the steps taken to address the situation. It can be recalled that during the last House Plenary Deliberations on the DOH Budget last September, Lee inquired about the lack of medicines in public hospitals. “Mayroong bilyon-bilyong pondo para sa mga gamot pero bakit kinakailangan pang bumili ng mga kababayan natin sa labas ng ospital? Bakit kailangan pa nilang gumastos para sa gamot kahit na sa charity wards sila naka-admit? Isa pa ito sa dumaragdag sa out-of-pocket expenses nila; dagdag isipin ng may sakit; dagdag pasanin ng pamilya,” AGRI Party-list earlier pointed out. AGRI Party-list has been pushing for free medicines and healthcare services. Through Lee’s leadership, AGRI Party-list was the first to expose that the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) had billions of available funds in September 2023, which then led to the implementation of PhilHealth’s increased benefits after over a decade that it was not updated and no longer responsive to the hospitalization cost of the beneficiaries. “Hindi magiging posible ang ipinaglalaban nating libreng gamot at libreng pagpapagamot kung magpapatuloy ang kapalpakang ito sa gobyerno. Dapat may managot sa mga kapabayaan na nagkakait ng mga serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa mga Pilipino. Buhay at kabuhayan ang nakataya dito,” AGRI Party-list stated. Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 02 Apr 2025 AGRI RENEWS CALL TO PROBE P11-B EXPIRED MEDICINES, VACCINES IN DOH WAREHOUSES, HEALTH FACILITIES 26 Mar 2025 Ayaw natin ng fake news! AGRI PARTY-LIST SLAMS NON-IMPLEMENTATION OF PHILHEALTH ‘OUTPATIENT EMERGENCY CARE BENEFIT’ PACKAGE 02 Feb 2025 Manoy Wilbert Lee Urges DA to Fast-Track Implementation of P3-B Cold Storage Facilities and Strengthen Supply Monitoring Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024 2025

Ayaw natin ng fake news! AGRI PARTY-LIST SLAMS NON-IMPLEMENTATION OF PHILHEALTH ‘OUTPATIENT EMERGENCY CARE BENEFIT’ PACKAGE

2025 News / By

Ayaw natin ng fake news! AGRI PARTY-LIST SLAMS NON-IMPLEMENTATION OF PHILHEALTH ‘OUTPATIENT EMERGENCY CARE BENEFIT’ PACKAGE AGRI Party-list Rep. Manoy Wilbert Lee criticized PhilHealth for not implementing its Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB), which took effect in January 2024. The package, covering outpatient services like diagnostic tests and emergency treatments, should not require hospital admission. Lee revealed that despite official announcements, hospitals are not honoring the benefit, leaving patients with zero PhilHealth coverage for emergency room expenses. He called for immediate action, stressing the importance of fulfilling PhilHealth’s promises to ease the burden on members. AGRI urges PhilHealth to swiftly address the issue and ensure the effective rollout of OECB, highlighting the need for accessible health benefits for all Filipinos. AGRI Party-list Rep. Manoy Wilbert Lee blasted the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation amid complaints of patients over the failure to implement PhilHealth’s Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) package. The OECB package, which took effect in January this year under PhilHealth Circular No. 2024-0033, covers all outpatient services and commodities provided in PhilHealth-accredited healthcare facilities—rendered at the Emergency Department and its extension facilities— including services given before a patient’s arrival, during transport to a health facility, diagnostic tests such as X-ray, MRI, CT Scan and other essential emergency services and medicines. According to the said PhilHealth Circular, this much needed benefit package do not require hospital admission or confinement. “Ayaw natin ng fake news lalo na sa serbisyong pangkalusugan. Hindi natin dapat paasahin sa mga benepisyo ang ating mga kababayan na matagal nang pinagkaitan ng serbisyo na deserve at karapatan nilang matanggap lalo na kung kaya namang ibigay ng PhilHealth sa bilyon-bilyong pondo na meron sila,” Lee said.  The Bicolano lawmaker revealed that he wrote a letter to PhilHealth Acting President and Officer-in-Charge Dr. Edwin Mercado on March 23 to seek clarification on the matter. In the said letter, Lee cited two billing statements from two hospitals where PhilHealth coverage for the emergency room expenses of two different patients was zero, reflecting that the benefit package has not been honored or implemented. “It is regrettable and unacceptable that despite the official announcement of PhilHealth, this ‘outpatient emergency care service’ is neither operational nor available to PhilHealth members in several, if not all hospital across the country,” the solon pointed out. “Time is of the essence on this matter. As time progresses without addressing this issue, every PhilHealth member rushed to every emergency room is burdened with the additional cost to pay,” he added. AGRI Party-list which is running for reelection in the 2025 National and Local elections underscored the importance of addressing this issue the soonest possible time. It urged PhilHealth to update on the status of the outpatient emergency care benefit package and ensure its swift and effective implementation, saying, “It is imperative that the PhilHealth management takes immediate responsibility and addresses this critical issue without further delay.” “Seryoso tayo sa layunin nating libreng gamot at pagpapagamot para sa bawat Pilipino para mabawasan ang kanilang araw-araw na pasanin at pangamba. Kaya kung ano ang ipinangakong dagdag na serbisyong pangkalusugan, dapat tuparin at maramdaman ng bawat miyembro at mga benepisyaryo,” AGRI Party-list said. “Filipinos deserve better, so we must demand better services. Noon pa po natin ipinapanawagan at ipinaglalaban, at kamakailan sa oral arguments ukol sa paglilipat ng pondo sa PhilHealth, ay sinang-ayunan din ng mga Mahistrado sa Korte Suprema na dapat gamitin ang bilyon-bilyong pondo sa kalusugan para sa kalusugan kesa mga proyektong wala naman mamamatay kung hindi gawin,” it added. AGRI Party-list, under Lee’s leadership, was the first to expose that PhilHealth has billions of available funds in September 2023. Lee’s persistent efforts resulted to the implementation of PhilHealth’s increased benefits and free medical services. The said increases include the 30% increase in health benefits which was implemented on February 2024, another 50% increase which started in 2025, free dialysis, free eye check-up and prescription glasses for ages 0-15, free dental care, expanded coverage for breast cancer treatment, new benefit package for kidney transplant and heart ailments, and the said outpatient emergency care services, among others. Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 29 Mar 2025 Ayaw natin ng fake news! 02 Feb 2025 Manoy Wilbert Lee Urges DA to Fast-Track Implementation of P3-B Cold Storage Facilities and Strengthen Supply Monitoring 29 Jan 2025 Manoy Wilbert Lee Urges DA to Fast-Track Implementation of P3-B Cold Storage Facilities and Strengthen Supply Monitoring Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024

Cold storage facility for agricultural products, backed by Manoy Wilbert Lee’s P3B initiative.

Manoy Wilbert Lee Urges DA to Fast-Track Implementation of P3-B Cold Storage Facilities and Strengthen Supply Monitoring

2025 News / By

Manoy Wilbert Lee Pushes for P3-B Cold Storage Facilities and Long-Term Food Security Solutions The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced the construction of 99 cold storage facilities nationwide with a P3 billion budget. Manoy Wilbert Lee, AGRI Party-list Representative and Senatorial aspirant, welcomed this move but stressed that supply monitoring and anti-hoarding measures are essential for real impact. Manoy Wilbert Lee: Cold Storage is Only Part of the Solution According to Manoy Wilbert Lee, the lack of cold storage facilities has long been a challenge for local farmers. “This is a great initiative, but it must go hand-in-hand with strict supply monitoring. If hoarders and price manipulators continue unchecked, these facilities will not prevent food price surges,” he warned. Post-Harvest Support Act: Expanding Agricultural Infrastructure Through House Bill No. 3958, also known as the Post-Harvest Facilities Support Act, the DA, together with DPWH, DAR, and DTI, will provide cold storage, dryers, threshers, and transport equipment to farmer cooperatives. This initiative aligns with Manoy Wilbert Lee’s long-term vision for a stronger agricultural sector, reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring better income for local food producers. Preventing Food Hoarding and Price Manipulation Manoy Wilbert Lee has been vocal against hoarders and agricultural economic saboteurs who manipulate food prices for profit. “The Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law is in place, but we need to enforce it effectively. Supply monitoring should be strict to prevent artificial food shortages and keep prices stable,” he emphasized. Food Security Emergency: Temporary Solution vs. Long-Term Strategy With growing concerns over food supply, Manoy Wilbert Lee acknowledged that the Food Security Emergency could provide short-term relief but stressed the importance of a sustainable strategy. “Declaring a Food Security Emergency may help temporarily, but consistent support for local food producers is the real solution to ensuring affordable and stable food supply for all Filipinos,” he said. Investing in Farmers is Investing in National Security Manoy Wilbert Lee firmly believes that food security is a national security issue. He calls on the government to prioritize funding for farmers and local food producers, emphasizing that they are the key to long-term agricultural stability. “With proper investment in post-harvest facilities, supply monitoring, and agricultural policies, we can protect Filipino consumers from high food prices while ensuring farmers earn fair income,” he concluded. #ManoyWilbertLee #AGRIPartylist #ColdStorage #FoodSecurity #FoodAffordability #FarmersSupport Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 06 Feb 2025 Manoy Wilbert Lee Urges DA to Fast-Track Implementation of P3-B Cold Storage Facilities and Strengthen Supply Monitoring 29 Jan 2025 Manoy Wilbert Lee Urges DA to Fast-Track Implementation of P3-B Cold Storage Facilities and Strengthen Supply Monitoring 27 Jan 2025 AGRI TO DA: FAST-TRACK BUILDING P3-B WORTH OF COLD STORAGES, IMPLEMENT COMPREHENSIVE SUPPLY MONITORING TO AVOID PRICE SURGE Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024

Manoy Wilbert Lee emphasizes food security as a national security priority.

AGRI TO DA: FAST-TRACK BUILDING P3-B WORTH OF COLD STORAGES, IMPLEMENT COMPREHENSIVE SUPPLY MONITORING TO AVOID PRICE SURGE

2025 News, Advocacy / By

AGRI TO DA: FAST-TRACK BUILDING P3-B WORTH OF COLD STORAGES, IMPLEMENT COMPREHENSIVE SUPPLY MONITORING TO AVOID PRICE SURGE AGRI Party-list and Senatorial aspirant Manoy Wilbert Lee welcomed the initiative of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to construct around 99 cold storage facilities for fruits and vegetables nationwide with a total budget of P3 billion, as he renewed his call to implement a more comprehensive supply monitoring of agricultural products to avoid price surge. “Maganda ang inisyatibang ito ng DA, lalo pa’t matagal na natin itong panawagan. Bukod sa pangangalampag natin sa mga nakaraang budget deliberations na taasan o ipantay ang pondong inilalaan sa post-harvest facilities kabilang ang cold storages sa pre-harvest services, naghain din tayo ng panukalang batas para dagdagan ang suporta sa mga pasilidad na siguradong magpapataas sa kita ng mga magsasaka at local food producers,” AGRI Party-list said. “Malinaw din na mababalewala lang ang mga itatayong cold storages kung walang mahigpit at epektibong monitoring sa supply, at kung hindi pa rin masasampolan ang mga hoarders na walang konsensyang nagpapataas sa presyo ng bilihin, habang nagpapakasasa sa sobrang kita,” it added.  AGRI Party-list, principal author of Republic Act No. 12022 or the “Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law”, has been consistently pushing for legislative measures that will reduce the prices of food by providing additional support for the agricultural sector and protecting the livelihood of local food producers. Under its House Bill No. 3958 or the “Post-Harvest Facilities Support Act”, the DA, in cooperation with various government agencies including the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), shall provide farm equipment and machinery such as cold storages, dryers, threshers, and transport facilities to farmer cooperatives. Earlier, in connection with the looming declaration of Food Security Emergency in the country, AGRI stressed the importance of sufficient support for farmers saying, “Sang-ayon po tayo sa pagdedeklara ng food security emergency para mapagaan ang pasanin ng ating mga kababayan, pero naniniwala tayo na panandaliang solusyon lang ito.” “Bukod sa short-term solutions, dapat simulan na ang pagpapatupad ng long-term solutions para maging kumpleto ang suporta sa mga local food producers, at hindi na kailanganin pang magdeklara ng food security emergency sa hinaharap,” AGRI stated. “Food security is a national security issue. Dapat gawing prayoridad ang pangangalaga at suporta sa ating mga local food producers o ‘food security soldiers’ dahil nakasalalay sa kanila ang sapat na supply at murang pagkain. Dapat buhusan at paglaanan ito ng tiyak na pondo taon-taon, at siguruhin ang mabilis na implementasyon ng mga programa para maramdaman agad ng mga Pilipino ang benepisyong hatid nito,” it added. Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 27 Jan 2025 AGRI TO DA: FAST-TRACK BUILDING P3-B WORTH OF COLD STORAGES, IMPLEMENT COMPREHENSIVE SUPPLY MONITORING TO AVOID PRICE SURGE 18 Jan 2025 Better Transport Policy for Murang Pagkain: AGRI Party-list’s Vision 17 Jan 2025 Murang Pagkain: Strengthening Food Security Through Better Logistics Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024

Dagdagan, hindi pabayaan!AGRI SEEKS PROBE ON THE CLOSURE OF SMALL-SCALE RICE, CORN MILLS IN 1K BARANGAYS

2025 News, Uncategorized / By

Dagdagan, hindi pabayaan! AGRI SEEKS PROBE ON THE CLOSURE OF SMALL-SCALE RICE, CORN MILLS IN 1K BARANGAYS AGRI Party-list filed a measure to probe the recent reports that small-scale rice and corn millers in over 1,000 barangays have closed in a span of a decade after they were dominated by big players and influx of cheaper imported grain supplies. Lee filed House Resolution No. 2150 urging Congress to investigate these alarming closures, including assessment of their impact to livelihood and food security. “Nakakabahala ang pagsasara ng mga rice and corn millers sa napakaraming barangay sa bansa na hindi nakasabay sa pagdagsa ng mas murang imported na produkto sa merkado. Marami na naman nating magsasaka ang apektado ang kabuhayan at kita sa mga pagsasarang ito,” AGRI Party-list Representative and Senatorial aspirant Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee said. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), there were 15,436 barangays with rice and corn mills in 2023, which is lower by 6.3 percent from the 16,476 recorded in 2013. “Kailangang suriin agad ang usaping ito dahil kung hindi ito matutugunan, posibleng dumami pa ang magsasarang rice and corn millers sa mga susunod na taon, lalo na kung mananatiling mababa ang taripa at dagsa pa rin ang papasok na imported na produkto sa merkado,” AGRI Party-list stated. “Kung magpapatuloy ito, bababa pa ang kita ng ating mga lokal na magsasaka, mawawalan sila ng gana, at bababa ang produksyon na siya namang magpapalayo sa katuparan ng food security sa bansa,” it added. According to the said resolution, there is a need to scrutinize the effectiveness of current government programs and interventions to support the development of local rice and corn industries and determine short-term and long-term interventions to put an end to the closure of these mills. “With small-scale rice and corn mills closing despite recurring calls to elevate the state of the country’s agriculture sector, the government needs to recalibrate its policies so progress can be felt by our local food producers. Di pwedeng habang bukambibig na dapat maging mura ang pagkain at prayoridad ang agrikultura ay napapabayaan naman ang ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda at local food producers,” AGRI stressed. AGRI Party-list has long been fighting for more support for post-harvest facilities for farmers through its persistent calls to increase the budget for these needed facilities and agricultural equipment during budget deliberations. Further, AGRI renewed its call for the immediate passage of House Bill No. 3958 or the “Post-Harvest Facilities Support Act”, which underscores the need to provide warehouses, rice mills, and crucial equipment such as dryers, threshers and cold storages, to increase production. “Ang pinakamabisang solusyon sa inflation ay pagtulong sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda at local food producers. Kung patuloy silang madedehado sa mga imported na produkto at kawalan ng sapat na suporta mula sa gobyerno, mananatiling suntok sa buwan at pangarap lang ang murang pagkain,” AGRI Party-list said. “Simulan natin ang 2025 sa seryosong pagtutok at pagbibigay prayoridad sa agrikultura at ituloy-tuloy ang nararapat na tulong sa sektor. Malinaw na sa suporta sa mga lokal na magsasaka, mapapataas ang produksyon at mapapababa ang presyo ng pagkain, kung saan panalo ang sambayanang Pilipino,” it added. ### Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 06 Jan 2025 Dagdagan, hindi pabayaan!AGRI SEEKS PROBE ON THE CLOSURE OF SMALL-SCALE RICE, CORN MILLS IN 1K BARANGAYS 13 Dec 2024 AGRI Party-list Advocates for Full Protection of Agriculture Budget in 2025 10 Dec 2024 AGRI Party-list Urges Unity in Protecting Agriculture Budget for Filipino Farmers Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024

Lee To DA: Ready QRF For Drought-Hit Areas

2024 News, Advocacy, Support / By

Lee To DA: Ready QRF For Drought-Hit Areas The Department of Agriculture (DA) should anticipate more areas in the country to be declared under a state of calamity due to drought and ready its Quick Response Fund (QRF) under this year’s calamity funds so that it can be immediately tapped and released to aid drought-hit farmers, AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee said. This, as the local government of San Enrique town in Negros Occidental declared the municipality under a state of calamity following weeks of rising temperatures, dry weather conditions, and lack of rainfall.  The town’s mayor says 90 percent of the town’s rice fields have already dried up and farmers couldn’t start replanting due to the unfavorable weather conditions. San Enrique is home to some 26,000 people and is one of the top rice-producing towns in Negros Occidental. A large chunk of the town’s 2,884.75-hectare land area are rice farms. About 20 local government units (LGUs) have declared a state of calamity due to the impact of El Niño. “Kailangang i-expect natin na sa darating na mga linggo ay madadagdagan pa ang mga lugar na magdedeklara ng state of calamity dahil sa matinding init at tagtuyot. Kaya dapat siguraduhin ng DA na ready for release at download sa kanilang regional offices ang QRF kapag nagdeklara na ng state of calamity ang mga LGU para naman mabigyan ng agarang ayuda ang mga apektadong magsasaka sa mga lugar na ‘yon,” Lee said. The Bicolano lawmaker also asked the DA and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to coordinate for possible cloud-seeding operations over major farm areas in the country to cushion the detrimental effects of the El Niño. The on-going dry spell is expected in the Philippines to persist until May. Advocacy Support Share the News! Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts​ 09 Oct 2024 Cheaper Rice now! Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Calls for Efficient Supply Chain to Stabilize Rice Costs​ 09 Oct 2024 Agri Party-List Seeks Reelection, Commits Continued Support for Agri, Vulnerable Sectors 08 Oct 2024 Round-the-Clock Port Operations: Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Pushes for 24/7 Government Services to Lower Rice Prices Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities

Cleanse NFA Of Corrupt Officials, Lee Urges PBBM

2024 News, Advocacy / By

Cleanse NFA Of Corrupt Officials, Lee Urges PBBM AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee on Wednesday urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. to purge corrupt officials and employees of the National Food Authority (NFA) in order to restore public trust in the agency. Lee issued the call after NFA Administrator Roderico Bioco and 138 other NFA officials and employees were suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman for their alleged involvement in the anomalous sale of the government’s rice buffer stocks. “Malaking kasalanan ang paglustay sa supply ng bigas, lalo pa napakamahal ng presyo ng pagkain at mga pangunahing bilihin ngayon,” Lee said. “In order to restore the trust of the public in the NFA, there needs to be a revamp and the first step to that is to remove all officials involved in anomalies,” he added. The Ombudsman found  “sufficient grounds” to suspend Bioco and the others saying there was “strong evidence showing their guilt.” Amid the alleged anomalous sale of rice reserves, the Bicolano lawmaker filed House Resolution No. 1625 to probe the current policies of the NFA and its implementation regarding the optimal utilization of their goods and proper disposal methods. According to Lee, “There is a need to identify any gaps or loopholes in the existing policies of NFA. Kailangang linawin ang mga polisiya,  tuldukan ang mga kalakaran na ugat ng katiwalian, at panagutin ang mga corrupt na dumadagdag lang sa pasanin ng taumbayan.” “Sa panahon na hirap ang ating mga magsasaka sa ani dahil sa epekto ng El Niño, kailangan natin ng mamumuno sa NFA na walang bahid ng korapsyon. Kung maayos lang sana ang pamahahala ng buffer stock ng bigas, mababawasan ang pag-angkat natin nito,” the solon said. For the past several years, the Philippines has been resorting to imports to augment the rice supply in the local market. During a recent bilateral meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, President Marcos said the Philippines wants to engage Cambodia in trade in agriculture, specifically rice. The country is also considering Cambodia as a rice supplier amid the El Niño dry spell. “Upang maayos ang supply ng mga pangunahing pagkain, kailangan natin ng maaasahan na magsusulong ng interes ng publiko at hindi pansariling interes. Kailangan natin ng mga lider na tapat na maglilingkod at magtatrabaho para maging Winner Tayo Lahat,” Lee stressed. “Ang dapat na tutok natin ay kung paano mababawasan ang pangamba ng ating mga kababayan pagdating sa kanilang kabuhayan, kita, pagkain, at lalong-lalo na sa kalusugan, hindi yung ang mga nasa gobyerno pa ang dahilan ng pagbigat ng kalbaryo ng mga Pilipino,” he added. Advocacy Share the News! Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts​ 09 Oct 2024 Cheaper Rice now! Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Calls for Efficient Supply Chain to Stabilize Rice Costs​ 09 Oct 2024 Agri Party-List Seeks Reelection, Commits Continued Support for Agri, Vulnerable Sectors 08 Oct 2024 Round-the-Clock Port Operations: Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Pushes for 24/7 Government Services to Lower Rice Prices Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities

Lee To DENR: Update List Of Abandoned, Undeveloped, Underutilized Fishponds For Mangrove Conversion

2024 News, Legislation / By

Lee To DENR: Update List Of Abandoned, Undeveloped, Underutilized Fishponds For Mangrove Conversion AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee on Wednesday urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to update its list of abandoned, undeveloped, and underutilized (AUU) ponds covered by Fishpond Lease Agreements (FLA) so that these may be converted back to mangrove forests. Citing the Amended Fisheries Code, Lee said it is the duty of the DENR, together with local government units, other concerned agencies, and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (FARMCs), to determine which AUU fishponds covered by FLAs can be reverted to their original mangrove state and to take all steps necessary to restore such areas in their original mangrove state after such determination has been made. “Mangrove forests are important especially in coastal communities as they provide not only a source of food but also protect coastlines and prevent erosion,” he said. “Malinaw po na nakasaad sa Republic Act No. 8550 o Fisheries Code na kailangang mayroong listahan ang DENR ng mga hindi na ginagamit o napabayaan nang mga palaisdaan. Responsibilidad din ng DENR na ibalik ang mga ito sa pagiging mangrove forests,” he added as he called for the full implementation of the law. Lee undercored the need to tighten the implementation of laws and policies, stressing that “We already have the law in place, kailangan lang ang maayos at seryosong pagpapatupad nito.” “Dapat maipatupad ang mga batas sa pangangalaga sa kalikasan bilang proteksyon din ng ating mamamayan mula sa sakuna, at para mabigyan sila ng tiyak na kabuhayan, dagdag na kita, sapat at masustansyang pagkain, at mabawasan ang pangamba na wala silang panggastos ‘pag sila ay nagkasakit,” the solon said. The Bicolano lawmaker also called for adequate budgetary support to fast-track the conversion of the AUU fishponds back to their original mangrove state, as part of the effort to restore mangrove cover in the country. “According to scientists and leading maritime conservation groups, about 50 percent of our mangroves have been lost to fishpond conversion and other coastal projects, making us the second worst country in Southeast Asia in terms of mangrove losses. It is high time that we do something about this,” he said. Moreover, Lee, principal author of House Bill No. 9662, or the “Blue Economy Act,” called on the Senate to approve their version of the bill. The proposed legislation would provide a framework for the safe use and sustainable development of maritime resources in the country. “Blue economy” refers to a practical ocean-based economic model using green infrastructure and technologies, innovative financing mechanisms, and proactive institutional arrangements for meeting the twin goals of protecting our oceans and coasts and enhancing its potential contribution to sustainable development, including improving human well-being, and reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. “Kailangan nating pangalagaan ang ating yamang tubig upang mapakinabangan din ito ng mga susunod pang henerasyon para Winner Tayo Lahat, maging ang ating mga apo sa tuhod at apo sa talampakan. Huwag nating paabutin sa puntong huli na ang lahat bago tayo kumilos,” he said. Legislation Share the News! Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts​ 09 Oct 2024 Cheaper Rice now! Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Calls for Efficient Supply Chain to Stabilize Rice Costs​ 09 Oct 2024 Agri Party-List Seeks Reelection, Commits Continued Support for Agri, Vulnerable Sectors 08 Oct 2024 Round-the-Clock Port Operations: Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Pushes for 24/7 Government Services to Lower Rice Prices Categories Activities Advocacy Previous Activities Legislation Support

Provide More Support To Onion Farmers To Lower Prices: Para ‘Di Umusa Sa Online Sellers Ang Consumers!

2024 News, Advocacy / By

Provide More Support To Onion Farmers To Lower Prices: Para ‘Di Umusa Sa Online Sellers Ang Consumers! AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee urged the Department of Agriculture to provide additional support for local farmers, such as onion producers, to increase their income and lower the price of goods, so that consumers won’t prefer cheaper illegally-sourced products online. Lee was reacting to the proliferation of smuggled onions being sold online, some for as low as ₱25 per kilogram, which have caused farmgate prices of the crop to plunge. “Hindi po natin masisisi ang ating mga kababayan kung tangkilikin nila ang mga di hamak mas murang produkto na nabibili online, kasama na itong sibuyas. Sa mahal ng mga bilihin, doon sila sa mas makakamura, at madalas ay isinasantabi na lang yung pwedeng health hazard nito,” the solon said.  “Sa kabilang banda, kawawa po ang ating mga magsasaka kapag hinayaan lang natin na kumalat o dumami ang mga nagbebenta ng smuggled na sibuyas online dahil ang ending nito, masasayang o mabubulok na naman ang mga lokal na ani,” he added. The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) earlier noted that onion farmers are already incurring losses with the current ₱28 per kilo farmgate price as the production costs now stand at ₱30 per kilo. According to Lee, “dapat dagdagan ang suporta sa ating mga lokal na magsasaka, kabilang na ang on time na pagdating ng ayuda, access sa mas murang farm inputs tulad ng fertilizers at pesticides, pati na ang dagdag na post-harvest facilities gaya ng cold storages.”  “Kapag tinulungan natin sila sa mas murang production costs, at mas mabilis na access sa merkado at consumers, tataas ang kita ng ating mga local farmers, na mag-e-engganyo rin sa kanilang taasan ang produksyon, na magpapababa naman sa presyo.” “’Pag nangyari ito, hindi na kailangan umasa sa ilegal at mas murang produkto na nabibili online. Panalo ang magsasaka, panalo ang consumers, Winner Tayo Lahat,” Lee stressed.  The Bicolano lawmaker also called on the Bureau of Customs (BoC) to impose tighter measures to halt the entry of smuggled onions and other agricultural products into the country. He also urged the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to implement more stringent measures to curb the sale of illegally-sourced agricultural products online. “In coordination with the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), kailangan suriin ang health hazard ng mga ibinebentang sibuyas online, sa pagsasagawa ng phytosanitary tests, at magbigay ng kaukulang babala sa publiko lalo na kung hindi ito ligtas kainin,” Lee pointed out. “Dapat lang na paigtingin ng gobyerno ang pagprotekta sa kabuhayan at kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan. Prayoridad dapat natin kung paano mapapagaan ang pasanin ng local producers at consumers. Mahalagang masiguro na may tiyak na trabaho, dagdag na kita, sapat at masustansyang pagkain ang bawat pamilya, at mabawasan ang pangamba na walang panggastos at lalong mabaon sa hirap sa panahon ng emergency o pagkakasakit.”  Advocacy Share the News! Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts​ 09 Oct 2024 Cheaper Rice now! Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Calls for Efficient Supply Chain to Stabilize Rice Costs​ 09 Oct 2024 Agri Party-List Seeks Reelection, Commits Continued Support for Agri, Vulnerable Sectors 08 Oct 2024 Round-the-Clock Port Operations: Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Pushes for 24/7 Government Services to Lower Rice Prices Categories Activities Advocacy Previous Activities Legislation Support