AGRI PARTY-LIST

Farmer Cooperatives

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

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

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

Expanding Agarwood Industry To Create 30,000 Jobs, Additional Income For Farmers — Lee

Expanding Agarwood Industry To Create 30,000 Jobs, Additional Income For Farmers — Lee AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee has filed a measure to liberalize and expand opportunities in Agarwood industry that will not only increase the income of farmers, but also has the potential to create up to 30,000 jobs and livelihood in the country.  According to Lee, principal author of House Bill No. 10320 or the “Agarwood Industry Development Act”, “Our countrymen deserve to be given more opportunities to venture into such a high-value industry and to compete globally.”  “Napakalaki ng potensyal na makatulong nitong Agarwood industry hindi lang sa sektor ng agrikultura kundi sa ating buong ekonomiya. Mula sa seedlings hanggang sa pagiging puno, lahat may pakinabang,” said the solon from Bicol.  “Its seedlings alone can generate income of thousands of pesos per month. If maximized, it could also generate opportunities up to approximately 20,000 to 30,000 jobs directly and indirectly, including roles in cultivation, harvesting, processing, marketing, and sales,” he added.  Agarwood, locally known as “lapnisan,” is a high-value tree known for its distinctive fragrance which is commonly sourced from Aquilaria. This forest product is used as a material for incense, perfume, and medicine.  Reportedly, price of Agarwood per kilo ranges from P24,000 to P53 million, depending on quality. Being classified as a threatened plant and endangered species, the government highly regulates its trade and commercialization to protect it from further extinction.  “Currently, we have regulations for farmed Aquilaria, those which are cultivated for trade. But with the promising profits from a sustainable Agarwood industry which can generate jobs and livelihood across the country and contribute to the Philippine economy, the government must optimize the industry by allowing more Filipinos to venture into it while ensuring protection of our natural resources to avoid exploitation,” Lee pointed out.  Under HB 10320, the Agarwood Industry Authority (AIA) shall be created to promote and provide direction for farming, propagation, harvesting, trading, commercialization, development, and sustainability of Aquilaria.  It will also institutionalize the Agarwood Research Office (ARO) which will lead in conducting extensive research on the value chain and best practices in cultivation of Aquilaria to guide our farmers to maximize its benefits.  And to prevent proliferation of poaching Agarwood species, the said measure will also establish the Aquilaria Registration Office which will facilitate the registration of Aquilaria farms and trees, nursery farm permit, and report of harvest and trade to keep a consolidated record of data of all value chains of Aquilaria in the Philippines. “Kasabay ng pag-commercialize, dapat may malinaw na patakaran o sistema ng pagpaparehistro nito para ma-monitor ang mga legally at illegally acquired Agarwood, upang maiwasan ang pag-abuso at paglapastangan sa kalikasan,” Lee said recalling the poaching incident of Agarwood species reported in Aklan last December 2023 where 10 persons in possession of 1.35 kilograms of Agarwood worth P216,000, were apprehended by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). “Sa napakayaman nating kalikasan, dapat maging enabler at manguna ang gobyerno sa paglikha at pagpaparami ng mga oportunidad sa bansa. The Filipinos deserve better services to ease their plight so we will continue demanding just policies to boost opportunities,” Lee remarked. “Winner Tayo Lahat sa dagdag na trabaho at kita para sa libo-libo nating kababayan na maihahatid nitong paglinang at pagpapalawak sa industriya ng Agarwood. Makapagbibigay ito ng kapanatagan ng loob sa pantustos sa pagkain, at sa iba pang gastusin, lalo na sa pangamba ng marami na magkasakit, dahil sa takot na lalong malubog sa hirap at utang dahil walang pambili ng gamot o pambayad sa hospital,” he added. 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

A Metro Manila market filled with affordable fresh food.

More Support To Local Food Producers Is Long-Term Solution To Inflation – Lee

More Support To Local Food Producers Is Long-Term Solution To Inflation – Lee AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee said on Tuesday that the government should provide more support to farmers and fisherfolk to boost local production and effectively address inflation.  The Bicolano lawmaker underscored that local food producers deserve better services from the government which should be an enabler to achieve food security and cheaper basic commodities.  Lee made the statement after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. issued Administrative Order (AO) No. 20 to streamline administrative procedures and policies on the importation of agricultural products and remove non-tariff barriers in a bid to secure food supply and alleviate rising domestic prices. “Nauunawaan po natin ang layunin ng AO 20 para mapababa agad ang presyo ng bilihin at mabawasan ang pasanin ng ating mga consumers. Pero maituturing po natin itong short term solution. Nakikita po natin na long-term solution sa inflation ang dagdag na suporta sa ating mga local food producers na pakikinabangan ng taumbayan—mula sa ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda hanggang sa ating mga consumers,” he said.  “Hindi naman po tayo pwedeng maging import dependent habambuhay. Pabilisin man natin ang proseso ng importasyon, hindi natin makokontrol ang export policy ng ibang bansa na anytime pwedeng maghigpit, o magbago depende sa mga pangyayari tulad ng kalamidad o kaguluhan sa ibang mga bansa,” he added.  Inflation rate in the country rose to 3.7% in March from the previous month’s 3.4% with food inflation as the main contributor to the overall inflation. The Bicolano lawmaker reiterated that the government must aggressively address factors contributing to food inflation to curb rising prices of basic goods. “As our food security soldiers, let us demand better for our farmers and fisherfolk. Addressing their needs will help them boost their production that will result to lower food prices. Kung mapapababa ang presyo ng pagkain, lalo na ang bigas, mapapahupa natin ang overall inflation,” the solon stressed.  “Pabilisin natin ang paghahatid ng ayuda, na dapat on time dumarating sa kanila; bigyan ng access sa murang farm inputs; bigyan ng dagdag na post-harvest facilities na hindi kilo-kilometro ang requirements bago makuha; bilhin ng gobyerno ang palay sa mas mataas na presyo para masiguro ang kita ng mga lokal na magsasaka, at sugpuin ang talamak na agri-smuggling na pumapatay sa kabuhayan ng marami nating kababayan,” he added.  Lee also pointed out that importation should only come should the need arises and not be the sole solution to increasing domestic prices saying, “We haven’t even fully maximized efforts to boost our local productivity, yet we are always drawn to importation.” “Pangmatagalang benepisyo ang hatid ng pagpapalakas sa lokal na produksyon. Walang talo, walang lugi, walang mapag-iiwanan, Winner Tayo Lahat,” Lee said.  “Sa dagdag na suporta para sa ating mga agri workers, mapapataas ang kanilang kita, mas makukumbinsi silang taasan ang kanilang produksyon, na magpapababa sa presyo ng bilihin, at makakaambag sa ating food security. Sa paraang ito, mababawasan din ang pangamba ng ating mga kababayan sa kaliwa’t kanang gastusin, kasama na ang lalong pagkabaon sa utang kung may magkasakit sa pamilya dahil walang pantustos sa pagpapagamot,” he added. 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