AGRI PARTY-LIST

Environmental Sustainability

Agri Party-List Seeks Reelection, Commits Continued Support for Agri, Vulnerable Sectors

2024 News, Advocacy, Support /

Agri Party-List Seeks Reelection, Commits Continued Support for Agri, Vulnerable Sectors “Sa Suporta sa Agrikultura, Panalo ang Masa.” This was stressed by AGRI Party-list as it filed its Certificate of Candidacy (CoC) for reelection with its advocacy on protecting the rights and livelihood of farmers, fisherfolk, and other local food producers and continuing its fight for job security and improved healthcare in the country.  During the last day of filing, the party-list’s Secretary General Ernanie Calica lodged its Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) for the 2025 Elections.  “Marami na tayong napagtagumpayan sa laban para sa agrikultura pero marami pang hamon ang dapat tugunan. Patuloy nating isusulong ang pangangailangan ng ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at iba pa nating agricultural workers na silang pinagmumulan ng pagkain sa hapag-kainan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” said Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” Lee, AGRI’s Representative this 19th Congress who filed his CoC for Senator for the next elections.  AGRI Party-list maintains its commitment to elevate the country’s agriculture sector to alleviate high food prices.  “Kapag naprotektahan natin ang kabuhayan ng ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda at local food producers na itinuturing natin na ‘food security soldiers’, kapag tiniyak natin ang kanilang kita, ma-e-engganyo silang pataasin ang ani, dadami ang supply, at bababa ang presyo sa merkado. Panalo ang sambayanang Pilipino,” Lee said.  This 19th Congress, AGRI Party-list principally authored landmark legislations such as Republic Act No. 11953 or the “New Agrarian Emancipation Act”, RA 11985 or “Philippine Salt Industry Development Act,” and the recently enacted RA 12022 or the “Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act”. Currently, AGRI is persistently pushing for the passage of  “Cheaper Rice Act,” “Post-harvest Facilities Act,” “Kadiwa Agri-Food Terminal Act” to protect the livelihood of farmers and fisherfolk and provide long-term solutions to rising prices of food. “Sama-sama nating pagtibayin ang ating mga napagtagumpayan. Ituloy natin ang laban para sa mas maunlad na agrikultura, at para sa patas at mapagmalasakit na lipunan,” AGRI stated. 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

Agri Party-List Seeks Reelection, Commits Continued Support for Agri, Vulnerable Sectors Read More »

Among Preferred Senatorables In Latest Octa Survey Lee Joins Aksyon Demokratiko Of Fellow Bicolano Raul Roco

2024 News, Support /

Among Preferred Senatorables In Latest Octa Survey Lee Joins Aksyon Demokratiko Of Fellow Bicolano Raul Roco Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee said he will push for a bigger budget for agriculture once deliberations begin for the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) at the House of Representatives. “Kahapon sa DBCC (Development Budget Coordination Committee) briefing, natalakay itong pagkaltas sa pondo ng agrikultura. Nakahanda po tayong amyendahan ang budget para dito para madagdagan at maiwasto dahil para sa atin, ito ang dapat na prayoridad at dagdagan ng suporta ng gobyerno,” Lee said. “With this year’s drought brought about by the El Niño and the La Niña in the coming months, we need adequate financial support to boost productivity and re-energize the sector to achieve food sufficiency and food security,” he added. The P6.352-trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP) was officially turned over to the House of Representatives by the Department of Budget and Management on July 29. Under the NEP, the proposed budget for the agriculture sector – which includes the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and all their attached agencies and corporations – suffered a P10.4-billion reduction, down to P211.3 billion from P221.7 billion in this year’s General Appropriations Act (GAA). According to DBM, bulk of the budget will be used to fund agriculture modernization programs as well as cash aid to farmers and fisherfolk. Lee said the proposed P211 billion agriculture budget in the NEP was a far cry from the P513.81 billion target budget announced by the DA in April. “We are supportive of the original proposed budget for the DA, especially since around P225.83 billion out of the target P513-billion budget was supposed to be for agricultural modernization as well as to improve the anti-smuggling efforts of DA’s bureaus,” he said. The Bicolano lawmaker has been a vocal supporter for modernization of the agriculture sector. He has been persistent in urging the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) to efficiently use their budget to provide farm equipment and post-harvest facilities to increase agricultural workers’ production and address soaring food prices. The solon from Bicol likewise advocates for additional post-harvest facilities and market linkages for farmers and fisherfolk through his House Bill (HB) No. 3958 or the “Post-Harvest Facilities Support Act” and HB 3957 or the “Kadiwa Agri-Food Terminal Act.” Morever, Lee undercored the importance of the digitization of the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), saying: “Ang mga panukalang ito na itinutulak natin ang sisiguro na sapat at tuloy-tuloy ang ayuda ng gobyerno mula sa pagtatanim, anihan, hanggang sa paghahatid at pagbebenta ng produkto sa merkado.” “Pera ng gobyerno, pera ng taumbayan. Dapat meaningful spending. Walang underspending, walang pagwawaldas. Kapag nag-invest tayo sa agrikultura at sinuportahan ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda, tataas ang kanilang produksyon, hindi tayo masyadong aasa sa imported, bababa ang presyo ng pagkain at iba pang bilihin, at gagaan ang pasanin ng ating mga kababayan.” “Ang pinakamabisang solusyon sa inflation ay pagtulong sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda—ang ating ‘food security soldiers’. Kaya kailangan na laging top priority ang agrikultura. Sa pangunguna ng ating food security soldiers, murang pagkain, gawin na natin!” he added. 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

Among Preferred Senatorables In Latest Octa Survey Lee Joins Aksyon Demokratiko Of Fellow Bicolano Raul Roco Read More »

Lee Calls For More Support For Coco Farmers, Fast-Track Release Of Livelihood And Health Benefits

2024 News, Advocacy /

Lee Calls For More Support For Coco Farmers, Fast-Track Release Of Livelihood And Health Benefits In light of the 38th Philippine Coconut Week, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee stressed that to achieve the country’s goal of becoming the world’s top coconut exporter, the government must prioritize protecting coconut farmers by fast-tracking the release of the coco levy funds, health and medical benefits rightful to them. Lee, who is now in Pangasinan to lead the distribution of financialWryt assistance under the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), renewed his call as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. recently approved the increase by P1 billion the budget for mass coconut planting and replanting program and P2.5 billion for the fertilization program. Earlier, Marcos also expressed his vision of making the Philippines world’s number 1 coconut exporter, upgrading from the current second rank next to Indonesia. “Kung gusto natin na maging top exporter ng niyog, bukod sa suporta sa pagtatanim, ay dapat ding tutukan ng gobyerno ang kapakanan at kalusugan ng ating mga magniniyog,” Lee said. “Matagal na po nating itinutulak na ang pondo para sa mga magniniyog, dapat ibigay agad sa mga magniniyog. Sa laki ng ambag ng industriyang ito sa ating ekonomiya, hindi dapat napupurnada ang pamamahagi ng ayuda para sa kanilang kabuhayan at serbisyong pangkalusugan,” he added. In May 2023, the Bicolano lawmaker filed House Resolution (HR) No. 954 upon discovering that only 34% of the total Coco Levy Fund was disbursed for fiscal year 2022 to provide grants and subsidies for the livelihood and welfare of coconut farmers. Last April, he also filed HR No. 1673 urging Congress to thoroughly investigate the delayed implementation of the health and medical services for the coconut farmers and their families prescribed by Republic Act (RA) No. 11524 or the “Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund (CFITF) Act” and reinforced by Executive Order (EO) No. 172. “It is a clear violation of law that more than three years since the CFITF Law was enacted, health and medical benefits of coconut farmers remain undelivered to the beneficiaries. Our coconut farmers deserve better so we must demand better implementation of the laws to protect them,” Lee stressed.  “Huwag natin paasahin sa wala ang mga nagtataguyod sa industriya ng niyog. Dumadaing na ang ating mga coconut farmers sa mababang presyo ng kopra at sa dagdag pasaning dulot ng El Niño, bukod pa sa banta ng paparating na La Niña. Kaya ibigay na ang dapat ibigay na serbisyo para sa kanila!” he added. Meanwhile, under the Philippine Coconut Industry Development Plan 2024-2034 (PCIDP 2024-2034), the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) aims to plant 100 million coconut trees by 2028 which will be valued at P33.1 billion by 2034. “Sa pagpapalakas sa ating mga magniniyog, mapapaunlad ang indusriya, magiging abot-kamay ang layunin nating maging top exporter sa mundo, makalilikha ng mga bagong oportunidad na dala ng iba’t ibang produkto mula sa niyog, lalago ang ekonomiya na magbibigay naman ng kakayahan sa gobyerno na palawakin ang serbisyo para sa taumbayan. Panalo ang sambayanang Pilipino,” Lee said. “Dagdag na suporta sa industriya ng niyog at proteksyon para sa mga magniniyog, gawin na natin!” 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 Calls For More Support For Coco Farmers, Fast-Track Release Of Livelihood And Health Benefits Read More »

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

2024 News, Advocacy, Legislation, Support /

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

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

Traffic congestion in Metro Manila showing the need for transport efficiency.

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

2024 News, Legislation /

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

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

Lee Determined To Increase Agri Budget

2024 News, Legislation /

Lee Determined To Increase Agri Budget Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee said he will push for a bigger budget for agriculture once deliberations begin for the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) at the House of Representatives. “Kahapon sa DBCC (Development Budget Coordination Committee) briefing, natalakay itong pagkaltas sa pondo ng agrikultura. Nakahanda po tayong amyendahan ang budget para dito para madagdagan at maiwasto dahil para sa atin, ito ang dapat na prayoridad at dagdagan ng suporta ng gobyerno,” Lee said. “With this year’s drought brought about by the El Niño and the La Niña in the coming months, we need adequate financial support to boost productivity and re-energize the sector to achieve food sufficiency and food security,” he added. The P6.352-trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP) was officially turned over to the House of Representatives by the Department of Budget and Management on July 29. Under the NEP, the proposed budget for the agriculture sector – which includes the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and all their attached agencies and corporations – suffered a P10.4-billion reduction, down to P211.3 billion from P221.7 billion in this year’s General Appropriations Act (GAA). According to DBM, bulk of the budget will be used to fund agriculture modernization programs as well as cash aid to farmers and fisherfolk. Lee said the proposed P211 billion agriculture budget in the NEP was a far cry from the P513.81 billion target budget announced by the DA in April. “We are supportive of the original proposed budget for the DA, especially since around P225.83 billion out of the target P513-billion budget was supposed to be for agricultural modernization as well as to improve the anti-smuggling efforts of DA’s bureaus,” he said. The Bicolano lawmaker has been a vocal supporter for modernization of the agriculture sector. He has been persistent in urging the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) to efficiently use their budget to provide farm equipment and post-harvest facilities to increase agricultural workers’ production and address soaring food prices. The solon from Bicol likewise advocates for additional post-harvest facilities and market linkages for farmers and fisherfolk through his House Bill (HB) No. 3958 or the “Post-Harvest Facilities Support Act” and HB 3957 or the “Kadiwa Agri-Food Terminal Act.” Morever, Lee undercored the importance of the digitization of the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), saying: “Ang mga panukalang ito na itinutulak natin ang sisiguro na sapat at tuloy-tuloy ang ayuda ng gobyerno mula sa pagtatanim, anihan, hanggang sa paghahatid at pagbebenta ng produkto sa merkado.” “Pera ng gobyerno, pera ng taumbayan. Dapat meaningful spending. Walang underspending, walang pagwawaldas. Kapag nag-invest tayo sa agrikultura at sinuportahan ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda, tataas ang kanilang produksyon, hindi tayo masyadong aasa sa imported, bababa ang presyo ng pagkain at iba pang bilihin, at gagaan ang pasanin ng ating mga kababayan.” “Ang pinakamabisang solusyon sa inflation ay pagtulong sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda—ang ating ‘food security soldiers’. Kaya kailangan na laging top priority ang agrikultura. Sa pangunguna ng ating food security soldiers, murang pagkain, gawin na natin!” he added. 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

Lee Determined To Increase Agri Budget Read More »

Optimize PH Carabao Center To Boost Dairy Industry – Lee

2024 News, Advocacy /

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

Optimize PH Carabao Center To Boost Dairy Industry – Lee Read More »

Amending RTL Only A Start, Cleansing Of NFA Crucial To Bringing Down The Price Of Rice – Lee

2024 News, Advocacy /

Amending RTL Only A Start, Cleansing Of NFA Crucial To Bringing Down The Price Of Rice – Lee AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee lauded the approval of the proposed amendments to Republic Act No. 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) by the House Committee on Agriculture and Food, but also reiterated the need to purge corrupt officials in the National Food Authority (NFA) to lower the price of rice. Lee, who earlier filed House Resolution No. 1636 to review and assess the impact of RTL said, “Natutuwa tayo na aprubado na ng Komite ang isinulong nating pag-amyenda sa RTL, para mas mapalawak pa ang mga benepisyo nito, at matuldukan ang mga nagpabigat lang sa pasanin ng ating local food producers at consumers.”  “Pangunahin sa layunin natin na maibalik ang mandato ng NFA na pagbili ng palay sa mga lokal na magsasaka sa presyong sigurado ang kanilang kita, at pagbebenta nito sa merkado sa halagang hindi mabigat sa bulsa ng consumers. Maiiwasan din dito ang mga mapagsamantalang middleman at traders, na binabarat ang mga magsasaka at nagpapatong pa ng malaking halaga sa presyo ng bigas,” Lee pointed out. “Sa pamamagitan nito, bukod sa tataas ang kita ng mga magsasaka, gaganahan din silang pataasin ang kanilang produksyon, na eventually, magpapamura sa bigas at hahatak pababa sa overall inflation,” the solon added. According to the Bicolano lawmaker, restoring the NFA power to sell cheaper rice in the market would significantly drive down the retail prices of the staple food to as low as P37 per kilo.  “Pero para mangyari ito, dapat may tapat at maaasahan tayong liderato ng NFA na babaston sa ahensya, para hindi na ito pamugaran ng anomalya. Tungkulin ng NFA na tulungan ang mga magsasaka at consumers, hindi maging kasosyo ng mga traders,” Lee stressed. “Bukod dito, dapat ding maging seryoso ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno para sugpuin at may masampolan na sa agri smuggling na pumapatay sa kabuhayan ng ating local food producers,”  he added.  As to the increasing the budget allocation for farm machinery and equipment to be sourced from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), Lee reiterated that this would greatly help more farmers and fisherfolk if the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) continue to commit in simplifying and streamlining its requirements to avail of these machineries that he persistently pushed for. “Gaano man po kaganda ang isang batas, kung pupugak-pugak naman ang implementasyon at pahirapang matanggap ang serbisyong dapat ihatid nito, eh wala rin itong silbi. Our local food producers and consumers deserve better, so we must demand for better services and implementation of our laws to help them improved their plight,” Lee said.  “Hindi na puwede ang puwede na. Gumagawa at nagpapatupad tayo ng mga polisiya at batas para maging Winner Tayo Lahat. Ang dapat na tutok natin: dagdag na trabaho, dagdag na kita, sapat at murang pagkain at maaasahang serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa lahat para mabawasan ang pangamba ng bawat pamilya na lalong malubog sa kahirapan, ” he added.  The RTL was signed into law in 2019 supposedly to reduce the price of rice and help farmers who would be hurt by the removal of quantitative restrictions – or a ceiling on the volume – on imported rice. The quantitative restrictions were replaced by tariffs of 35% to 40%.  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

Amending RTL Only A Start, Cleansing Of NFA Crucial To Bringing Down The Price Of Rice – Lee Read More »

Lee Raises Alarm Over Inconsistent El Niño Damage Data From DA, NDRRMC

2024 News, Advocacy /

Lee Raises Alarm Over Inconsistent El Niño Damage Data From DA, NDRRMC AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee has underscored the importance of consistent and accurate government figures being reported on agricultural damage due to El Niño, particularly data from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). “Nakakalito ang mga lumalabas na datos mula sa DA at NDRRMC. Bukod sa hindi nagtutugma, napakalaki ng diperensya ng inilalabas nilang mga numero” Lee said. “Ayon sa DA, umabot na sa halos P6 billion ang pinsala sa agrikultura sa bansa dulot ng El Niño noong April 30. Sa inilabas naman na situation report ng NDRRMC noong April 29, nasa mahigit P1.6 billion ang tinatayang pinsala sa agrikultura. Dapat linawin kung bakit magkaiba at alin ang dapat sundin dito,” he added. According to the DA, the blistering temperatures brought about by the El Niño have caused P5.9 billion in damage to the agricultural sector, affecting 113,585 farmers and fisherfolk in 12 regions in the country and devastating a total of 104,402 hectares of agricultural areas. The latest report from the NDRRMC, meanwhile, shows 46,805 farmers and fisherfolk affected by the extreme heat, with 44,437 hectares of crops impacted for a total of more than P1.6 billion in agricultural damage. “The appropriate mitigation and response to El Niño is dependent on accurate data, especially since this is the basis for the assistance being given by the government to those affected by the phenomenon. How much will be given to how many is reliant on the reports being published kaya sana po ay magkaroon ng maayos na komunikasyon sa pagitan ng mga ahensiya ng gobyerno na nag-a-assess at naglalabas ng mga ganitong datos,” the Bicolano lawmaker stressed. According to the DA, it has so far provided at least P2.18 billion worth of assistance to El Niño devastated farmers and fisherfolk. The agency said that its regional offices have provided production support worth P658.22 million and P1.06 billion financial assistance to rice farmers in Cagayan Valley and Mimaropa.  “Napaka-crucial ng tamang datos para makapaghatid ng sapat at mabilis na tulong sa mga nangangailangan. Deserve ng ating mga kababayan ang mas maayos na serbisyo, mabawasan ang kanilang mga pasanin, at maibsan ang kanilang pangamba na lalong mabaon sa hirap at utang sa panahon ng kagipitan tulad na lang kung may magkasakit sa pamilya,” the solon said.  “We deserve better, and we must demand better for efficient and swift services. Siguradong Winner Tayo Lahat sa pagkakaisa, malasakit at koordinasyon ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno at taumbayan, para sa mabilis na pagresponde at pamamahagi ng ayuda, lalo na sa panahon ng sakuna. 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 Raises Alarm Over Inconsistent El Niño Damage Data From DA, NDRRMC Read More »