AGRI PARTY-LIST

Agroecology

Cheaper Rice now! Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Calls for Efficient Supply Chain to Stabilize Rice Costs​

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Cheaper Rice now! Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Calls for Efficient Supply Chain to Stabilize Rice Costs Amid mounting concerns over the escalating price of rice, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee has issued a strong call for a seamless supply chain to combat the issue. By proposing increased manpower at ports and round-the-clock operations, Lee aims to clear the backlog of rice shipments and ensure a steady flow of goods to the market. “Mabilis at epektibong supply chain ang kailangan para masigurong mababa ang presyo ng pagkain,” Lee remarked, stressing the need for both immediate and long-term solutions to stabilize rice prices. Lee also called for stronger support for local agriculture, stating, “Sa suporta sa agrikultura, panalo ang masa.” #FixTheSupplyChain #AgriculturalSupport #WilbertLeeForAgriculture #LowerFoodPricesNow Advocacy Share the News! Previous 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

Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Demands Swift Action to Clear Ports and Bring Down Skyrocketing Rice Prices

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Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Demands Swift Action to Clear Ports and Bring Down Skyrocketing Rice Prices Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee of Agri Party-List has called on the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to expedite the unloading of rice shipments currently stalled at the country’s ports. The lawmaker stressed that the delays caused by port congestion are worsening the price of rice, affecting millions of Filipino consumers. Speaking ahead of his keynote speech at the Visayas Public Transportation Modernization Program Forum in Bacolod, Lee highlighted the urgency of the issue, saying: “Nasa isa hanggang dalawang linggo na nakatengga ang mga kargamento ng bigas. Imbes na mailabas agad at mapababa ang presyo, lalo pa itong nagmamahal.” Lee has proposed increasing manpower at ports or implementing 24/7 operations to speed up the process and lower rice prices for consumers. #RiceCrisis #PortCongestion #PhilippinesFoodSecurity #WilbertLeeForThePeople #LowerRicePrices 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

All Hands On Deck! Lee Urges DA To Tap HPG, PPA To Man ASF Checkpoints Along Highways, Seaports

Advocacy, Legislation, Support / By

All Hands On Deck! Lee Urges DA To Tap HPG, PPA To Man ASF Checkpoints Along Highways, Seaports Cong Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to set up more checkpoints not only along roads but also in seaports to curb the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the country. “Napaka-crucial ng mahigpit na pagbabantay para hindi na kumalat ang ASF na dahilan ng sobrang pagkalugi ng ating mga magbababoy. Milyon-milyon po ang nalulugi sa ating mga hog raisers, paano naman ang mga pamilya nila na dito lang inaasa ang pantustos sa pagkain at iba pang pangangailangan?” Lee, who recently attended as guest speaker at the Agarwood Orientation Seminar in Maasin, Leyte, asked. “Kaya dapat dagdagan pa ng DA ang checkpoints nila para rito, lalo na may mga ulat na kumakalat na ang mga baboy palabas sa mga lugar na may ASF patungo sa ibang parte ng Luzon,” he said. Previously, the DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) seized two trucks in Quezon City carrying infected hogs reportedly from Quezon province. The trucks were on their way to Pangasinan province. Lee said the DA should partner up with Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) as well as the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to augment BAI manning checkpoints, aside from tapping personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). “While we laud the BAI for proactively looking into tapping MMDA and local traffic enforcers to man checkpoints in Metro Manila, all hands must be on deck to genuinely curb ASF. We have force multipliers available from the PNP, HPG and from PPA that could be deployed should the BAI decide to set up more checkpoints along major highways and ports,” the solon from Bicol said. There are currently six meat inspection checkpoints across the National Capital Region (NCR) to ensure that the pigs being delivered to slaughterhouses and in markets are ASF-free. “Ayaw natin na maging epidemya itong ASF lalo pa’t wala pang sapat na bakuna sa bansa laban dito. Hindi pwedeng malamya sa pagpuksa ng ASF. Dapat doble-kayod ang gobyerno dito at tapatan ng agrisibong aksyon at mabilis na solusyon ang pagpigil sa pagkalat ng sakit,” Lee stressed. The Bicolano lawmaker also urged the government into preparing to declare a state of national calamity should ASF spread beyond what could be controlled by the ASF vaccines, which have been earlier procured. “2019 pa lang, nagkaroon na ng kaso ng ASF sa bansa. Huwag tayong maglokohan dito. Paulit-ulit na ito kaya walang excuse na di magkaroon ng komprehensibong plano para mapigilan ang pagkalat ng sakit, matulungan ang mga apektadong hog raisers, masigurong hindi magkukulang ang supply at protektahan ang mga consumers sa posibleng pagtaas ng presyo ng karne ng baboy,” he said. Earlier, Lee filed House Resolution No. 1956 to investigate the escalating impact of ASF while calling relevant government agencies to provide assistance to hog raisers and prevent possible hike in pork prices. “Filipinos deserve better so we should demand better protocols to protect the livelihood of local food producers and welfare of our consumers. Tulong-tulong po tayo: Tiyak na kabuhayan at dagdag na kita, gawin na natin. Murang pagkain, gawin na natin!” he stated. Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 11 Oct 2024 All Hands On Deck! Lee Urges DA To Tap HPG, PPA To Man ASF Checkpoints Along Highways, Seaports 11 Oct 2024 Lee Welcomes NFA’s Higher Palay Buying Price, Bats For Cheaper Rice Act 11 Oct 2024 Lawmakers Unite Behind Lee’s Call To Increase DA Budget To Lower Food Prices Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities

Lee Welcomes NFA’s Higher Palay Buying Price, Bats For Cheaper Rice Act

Legislation / By

Lee Welcomes NFA’s Higher Palay Buying Price, Bats For Cheaper Rice Act AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee lauded the recent approval of the National Food Authority (NFA) Council to buy local palay for a higher price to beef up the country’s rice buffer stock. According to the NFA Council, the approved increase in the procurement price of rice will give them flexibility to compete with private traders and help rice farmers boost their income. The NFA buying price now for dry and clean local palay is P23 to P30 per kilo from the previous P19 to P23 per kilo, while wet and fresh palay will be purchased at P17 to P23 a kilo from P16 to P19 per kilo. “The administration’s measure to boost the country’s rice buffer stock by buying local palay at a higher price is what the farmers—our food security soldiers—need now more than ever as they struggle with the effects of El Niño and low income. Spending more to boost their productivity is the right way to go,” Lee said. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. underscored the importance of increasing the buying price for palay, saying “we need to ensure that our farmers make money to encourage them to continue planting and even expand the area planted to rice.” The Bicolano lawmaker then reiterated his call for the urgent passage of his proposed House Bill No. 9020 or the “Cheaper Rice Act” which will institutionalize the “price subsidy” program for the government to buy palay from local farmers at a higher price to ensure their profit and entice them to boost their production. “Sa panukala nating Cheaper Rice Act, isasabatas na natin ang dagdag o patong na P5 to P10 sa prevailing farmgate price per kilo ng palay na bibilhin ng gobyerno sa mga lokal na magsasaka para siguradong kikita sila. Kapag may kita, magpupursige silang taasan ang kanilang produksyon. Kapag dumami ang supply ng bigas, bababa rin ang presyo sa merkado, na aambag din sa pagkamit ng food security sa bansa,” explained Lee. “Kung gusto nating maabot ang P20/kilo ng bigas, dapat gawing priority measure ang panukala nating ito nang maisabatas na sa lalong madaling panahon,” the solon earlier said. Lee added that this legislation will also address the concerns that farmers are forced to sell their land because they are not earning. “Kung may kita, wala po sigurong magsasaka na makakaisip na ibenta ang kanilang lupang sinasaka. Mahihikayat din ang kanilang mga anak at ang kabataan na pasukin ang pagsasaka,” he stressed. “Through this measure, the country will have sufficient supply of rice and we will not rely solely on imports,” Lee further stressed referring to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) projected rice importation by the Philippines at 3.9 million metric tons (MT) this year, following “strong recent purchases from Vietnam.” “Sa Cheaper Rice Act, hindi na agrabyado ang ating mga magsasaka sa pagbebenta ng palay sa presyong binabarat sila. Panalo din ang consumer sa idudulot nitong mas mababang presyo ng bigas. Sa dulo, bawas pangamba ito sa bawat Pilipino na kakapusin ang kanilang budget sa iba pang pangangailangan, lalo na kung may magkasakit sa pamilya, kaya Winner Tayo Lahat,” Lee 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 Legislation Support Previous Activities

Optimize PH Carabao Center To Boost Dairy Industry – Lee

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Optimize PH Carabao Center To Boost Dairy Industry – Lee AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee on Wednesday said that optimizing the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) by increasing its budget and upgrading its research and innovation, will help revive the dairy industry post-El Niño.  This, after the National Dairy Authority (NDA) sought P2.5 billion budget to support the procurement of at least 5,000 imported cattle and setting up of laboratory facilities in its six regional offices to boost the country’s local milk production.  Lee, who just came recently from a 2-day visit in multiple towns and cities in Bulacan including San Jose del Monte, Sta. Maria, Bocaue, Pandi, Meycauayan, Guiguinto, Malolos, Plaridel and Calumpit, said, “We support the goal of the NDA to increase the dairy production and develop our local dairy industry. Kaya isinusulong rin natin na madagdagan ang budget ng mga ahensiya ng gobyerno na may kinalaman sa pagpapalago nito.”  The Bicolano lawmaker said aside from procuring cattle, research and development on carabaos also need to be boosted.  “Research and innovation on both cattle and carabaos are vital to ensuring the dairy industry continues to improve practices and minimize impacts of extreme weather conditions while improving milk production,” he said.  “Sa ngayon halos P89 million lang ang nakalaan para sa Research and Development ng National Carabao Development Program ng PCC at P274 million naman para sa kanilang Herd Build-up of Genetically-Improved Dairy Buffalos. Dapat madagdagan ang suporta natin dito, ” he added.  “Carabaos are hardy, low-maintenance animals. They can thrive on local grasses and do not need expensive feeds, making them well-suited for small-scale farmers. Apart from their agricultural use, carabaos also provide milk,” he further said.  The Herd Build-up program is set to bolster local dairy stocks and local milk production through a series of strategic initiatives. Additional funds will facilitate the procurement of new dairy buffalos, enhance local production at PCC-operated nucleus dairy buffalo farms and agistment farms. It will also provide essential breeding services to Farmers Cooperative and Associations (FCA) partners and dairy buffalo health and nutritional services. More funding will also help enhance and develop dairy buffalo farms and other dairy buffalo facilities of the PCC  According to  Dairy Confederation of the Philippines, there are currently 2.6 million cows in the country but only 27,000 are used for dairy. On the other hand, there are 2.8 million carabaos but only 19,000 are dairy types. “Mahalaga na sa pagbibigay ng dagdag na budget, may kongkretong plano, maayos na implementasyon at mga pasilidad. Halimbawa, we cannot afford to import cattles used for dairy without proper acclimatization facility, dahil kung wala nito, marami talagang mamamatay pagka-import. Hindi pwedeng ura-urada dahil para lang tayong nagtatapon ng pondo,” the solon from Bicol pointed out. “Napakalayo pa ng ating bansa sa pagkamit ng milk sufficiency. Kaya dapat maging kayod-kalabaw din ang gobyerno sa pagsuporta sa mga ahensya para mapaunlad ang local dairy industry at hindi tayo laging dependent sa importation. We deserve better and it is our right to demand better services and demand more opportunities in our country.”  “Winner Tayo Lahat sa pagpapaunlad sa bawat sektor at industriya na lumilikha ng tiyak at karagdagang trabaho, sa pagsusulong ng dagdag na kita, sapat, abot-kaya at masustansyang pagkain sa bawat pamilya, at pagkakaroon ng kapanatagan ng loob na magkasakit man, hindi malulubog sa hirap at utang dahil sa patas at mapagmalasakit na serbisyong pangkalusugan,” 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 Welcomes NFA’s Higher Palay Buying Price, Bats For Cheaper Rice Act

Advocacy, Support / By

Lee Welcomes NFA’s Higher Palay Buying Price, Bats For Cheaper Rice Act AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee lauded the recent approval of the National Food Authority (NFA) Council to buy local palay for a higher price to beef up the country’s rice buffer stock. According to the NFA Council, the approved increase in the procurement price of rice will give them flexibility to compete with private traders and help rice farmers boost their income. The NFA buying price now for dry and clean local palay is P23 to P30 per kilo from the previous P19 to P23 per kilo, while wet and fresh palay will be purchased at P17 to P23 a kilo from P16 to P19 per kilo. “The administration’s measure to boost the country’s rice buffer stock by buying local palay at a higher price is what the farmers—our food security soldiers—need now more than ever as they struggle with the effects of El Niño and low income. Spending more to boost their productivity is the right way to go,” Lee said. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. underscored the importance of increasing the buying price for palay, saying “we need to ensure that our farmers make money to encourage them to continue planting and even expand the area planted to rice.” The Bicolano lawmaker then reiterated his call for the urgent passage of his proposed House Bill No. 9020 or the “Cheaper Rice Act” which will institutionalize the “price subsidy” program for the government to buy palay from local farmers at a higher price to ensure their profit and entice them to boost their production. “Sa panukala nating Cheaper Rice Act, isasabatas na natin ang dagdag o patong na P5 to P10 sa prevailing farmgate price per kilo ng palay na bibilhin ng gobyerno sa mga lokal na magsasaka para siguradong kikita sila. Kapag may kita, magpupursige silang taasan ang kanilang produksyon. Kapag dumami ang supply ng bigas, bababa rin ang presyo sa merkado, na aambag din sa pagkamit ng food security sa bansa,” explained Lee. “Kung gusto nating maabot ang P20/kilo ng bigas, dapat gawing priority measure ang panukala nating ito nang maisabatas na sa lalong madaling panahon,” the solon earlier said. Lee added that this legislation will also address the concerns that farmers are forced to sell their land because they are not earning. “Kung may kita, wala po sigurong magsasaka na makakaisip na ibenta ang kanilang lupang sinasaka. Mahihikayat din ang kanilang mga anak at ang kabataan na pasukin ang pagsasaka,” he stressed. “Through this measure, the country will have sufficient supply of rice and we will not rely solely on imports,” Lee further stressed referring to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) projected rice importation by the Philippines at 3.9 million metric tons (MT) this year, following “strong recent purchases from Vietnam.” “Sa Cheaper Rice Act, hindi na agrabyado ang ating mga magsasaka sa pagbebenta ng palay sa presyong binabarat sila. Panalo din ang consumer sa idudulot nitong mas mababang presyo ng bigas. Sa dulo, bawas pangamba ito sa bawat Pilipino na kakapusin ang kanilang budget sa iba pang pangangailangan, lalo na kung may magkasakit sa pamilya, kaya Winner Tayo Lahat,” Lee said.  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

Lee Welcomes NFA’s Higher Palay Buying Price, Bats For Cheaper Rice Act

Advocacy, Support / By

Lee Welcomes NFA’s Higher Palay Buying Price, Bats For Cheaper Rice Act AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee lauded the recent approval of the National Food Authority (NFA) Council to buy local palay for a higher price to beef up the country’s rice buffer stock. According to the NFA Council, the approved increase in the procurement price of rice will give them flexibility to compete with private traders and help rice farmers boost their income. The NFA buying price now for dry and clean local palay is P23 to P30 per kilo from the previous P19 to P23 per kilo, while wet and fresh palay will be purchased at P17 to P23 a kilo from P16 to P19 per kilo. “The administration’s measure to boost the country’s rice buffer stock by buying local palay at a higher price is what the farmers—our food security soldiers—need now more than ever as they struggle with the effects of El Niño and low income. Spending more to boost their productivity is the right way to go,” Lee said. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. underscored the importance of increasing the buying price for palay, saying “we need to ensure that our farmers make money to encourage them to continue planting and even expand the area planted to rice.” The Bicolano lawmaker then reiterated his call for the urgent passage of his proposed House Bill No. 9020 or the “Cheaper Rice Act” which will institutionalize the “price subsidy” program for the government to buy palay from local farmers at a higher price to ensure their profit and entice them to boost their production. “Sa panukala nating Cheaper Rice Act, isasabatas na natin ang dagdag o patong na P5 to P10 sa prevailing farmgate price per kilo ng palay na bibilhin ng gobyerno sa mga lokal na magsasaka para siguradong kikita sila. Kapag may kita, magpupursige silang taasan ang kanilang produksyon. Kapag dumami ang supply ng bigas, bababa rin ang presyo sa merkado, na aambag din sa pagkamit ng food security sa bansa,” explained Lee. “Kung gusto nating maabot ang P20/kilo ng bigas, dapat gawing priority measure ang panukala nating ito nang maisabatas na sa lalong madaling panahon,” the solon earlier said. Lee added that this legislation will also address the concerns that farmers are forced to sell their land because they are not earning. “Kung may kita, wala po sigurong magsasaka na makakaisip na ibenta ang kanilang lupang sinasaka. Mahihikayat din ang kanilang mga anak at ang kabataan na pasukin ang pagsasaka,” he stressed. “Through this measure, the country will have sufficient supply of rice and we will not rely solely on imports,” Lee further stressed referring to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) projected rice importation by the Philippines at 3.9 million metric tons (MT) this year, following “strong recent purchases from Vietnam.” “Sa Cheaper Rice Act, hindi na agrabyado ang ating mga magsasaka sa pagbebenta ng palay sa presyong binabarat sila. Panalo din ang consumer sa idudulot nitong mas mababang presyo ng bigas. Sa dulo, bawas pangamba ito sa bawat Pilipino na kakapusin ang kanilang budget sa iba pang pangangailangan, lalo na kung may magkasakit sa pamilya, kaya Winner Tayo Lahat,” Lee said. 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