AGRI PARTY-LIST

Department of Agriculture

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

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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

Filipino farmers benefiting from improved post-harvest facilities under Manoy Wilbert Lee’s agricultural advocacy.

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

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Manoy Wilbert Lee Urges DA to Fast-Track Implementation of P3-B Cold Storage Facilities and Strengthen Supply Monitoring AGRI Party-list Representative and Senatorial aspirant Manoy Wilbert Lee welcomed the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) initiative to allocate P3 billion for the construction of 99 cold storage facilities across the country. However, he underscored the need for comprehensive supply monitoring to prevent price surges in agricultural products. Manoy Wilbert Lee Calls for Enhanced Post-Harvest Facilities “For years, we have pushed for increased funding for post-harvest facilities, particularly cold storage units, to match pre-harvest services. This initiative is long overdue,” said Manoy Wilbert Lee. Aside from advocating for larger budget allocations during budget deliberations, AGRI Party-list has proposed legislation to boost support for cold storage facilities, dryers, threshers, and transport equipment—all crucial for improving farmers’ income and stabilizing food prices. Strict Supply Monitoring to Prevent Hoarding and Price Manipulation Despite the promising development, Manoy Wilbert Lee emphasized that these efforts would be ineffective without a strict and efficient monitoring system. “These cold storage units will have little impact if there is no effective supply monitoring system in place. Hoarders and price manipulators continue to exploit agricultural supply gaps, driving food prices up while Filipinos struggle with affordability,” he warned. Legislative Efforts to Strengthen Food Security As the principal author of Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law, Manoy Wilbert Lee continues to push for reforms that will protect farmers and consumers from unfair trade practices. One of the key measures proposed is House Bill No. 3958, or the Post-Harvest Facilities Support Act, which mandates the DA—along with the DPWH, DAR, and DTI—to provide post-harvest equipment and storage facilities to farmer cooperatives. Food Security Emergency: A Short-Term Fix The looming Food Security Emergency has prompted discussions about short-term and long-term solutions for food affordability and supply stability. “We support the Food Security Emergency declaration, but it’s only a temporary fix. Long-term strategies are needed to ensure sustained support for Filipino farmers and local food producers,” Lee stressed. Food Security as National Security “Food security is a national security concern. Farmers are our ‘food security soldiers.’ We must prioritize funding, proper infrastructure, and immediate action to ensure a stable and affordable food supply for all Filipinos,” Manoy Wilbert Lee concluded. #ManoyWilbertLee #AGRIPartylist #SupportFarmers #FoodSecurity #ColdStorage #AgriculturalReform 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 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 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

Advocacy, Uncategorized / 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

AGRI Party-list Warns of Long-Term Risks from Cuts to Agriculture Budget

Advocacy / By

AGRI Party-list Advocates for Full Protection of Agriculture Budget in 2025 The AGRI Party-list has issued a strong appeal to lawmakers in both chambers of Congress to ensure the agriculture sector’s budget remains protected as deliberations over the 2025 General Appropriations Bill move forward. According to AGRI Party-list Representative and Senatorial Aspirant Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee, insufficient funding for agriculture could lead to long-term challenges for food security and the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos.“Investing in agriculture isn’t just about immediate support; it’s about future-proofing our food systems against crises like rising global food prices and climate change. Our farmers, fisherfolk, and food producers play a vital role in our nation’s stability, and reducing their support at this time is unacceptable,” Lee said. AGRI highlighted that the Department of Agriculture’s proposed ₱500 billion budget was slashed to less than half, leaving critical issues such as low productivity, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of post-harvest facilities unaddressed. “Our current allocation falls far short of what’s needed to meet the demands of our local food producers,” the group stated, emphasizing the disparity between agriculture’s potential and its share in the national budget. The group called on the Bicameral Conference Committee to prioritize food security, pointing out that increased agricultural funding would benefit all Filipinos by stabilizing food prices and boosting supply. “This is not just about the farmers; it’s about every Filipino family that depends on affordable and accessible food,” AGRI stressed.#AgricultureBudget2025 #FoodSecurity #WiseMoves Advocacy Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 08 Dec 2024 AGRI PL URGES SENATE, HREP TO PROTECT AGRI BUDGET FOR 2025 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 Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024

Cong. Wilbert Lee Champions Bigger Budget for Agriculture in 2025

2024, Advocacy / By

Cong. Wilbert Lee Champions Bigger Budget for Agriculture in 2025 Determined to strengthen the country’s agriculture sector, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee pushes for a substantial budget increase.  Lee highlighted the pressing need for more funds to support food security, especially in light of climate challenges like El Niño and the anticipated La Niña phenomenon. He stressed the urgency, stating, “Ito ang dapat na prayoridad at dagdagan ng suporta ng gobyerno,” emphasizing that government investments should prioritize food sufficiency and sustainable agriculture practices. The proposed P211 billion agriculture budget, down from last year’s P221.7 billion, marks a significant reduction, which Lee views as a hindrance to achieving the nation’s food security goals. Notably, the Department of Agriculture (DA) had originally projected a P513 billion requirement to fund agricultural modernization and anti-smuggling efforts. Lee supports the DA’s initial target, believing it reflects the sector’s true needs, especially for modernization initiatives that increase productivity and curb food inflation. A staunch advocate for modernization, Lee has continuously urged PhilMech to maximize their funds for farm equipment and post-harvest facilities, which are crucial for supporting agricultural productivity. Through his legislative efforts, including House Bill No. 3958 for post-harvest facilities and House Bill No. 3957 for Kadiwa agri-food terminals, Lee aims to build stronger market linkages for farmers and fisherfolk, ultimately leading to affordable food prices and economic stability for millions of Filipinos. #AGRIForProgress #WilbertLeeAdvocacy #FoodSecurityPH Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 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 29 Oct 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Urges PhilHealth, PCA to Fulfill Commitments to Coconut Farmers’ Health Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024