AGRI PARTY-LIST

Philippines

AGRI Party-list Urges Unity in Protecting Agriculture Budget for Filipino Farmers

AGRI Party-list Urges Unity in Protecting Agriculture Budget for Filipino Farmers As the Bicameral Conference Committee deliberates on the 2025 General Appropriations Bill, the AGRI Party-list has urged Congress to stand united in preserving the agriculture sector’s budget. AGRI Party-list Representative and Senatorial Aspirant Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee underscored the importance of prioritizing agriculture funding to ensure food security and improve the livelihoods of millions of farmers, fisherfolk, and food producers across the country. “Without sufficient investment in agriculture, we jeopardize not just the livelihood of millions but the nation’s food supply. If we are serious about having affordable food on every Filipino family’s table, agriculture must be a priority,” Lee said, stressing the importance of supporting rural communities that form the backbone of the country’s food production. AGRI Party-list warned that reduced allocations could undermine efforts to modernize the agriculture sector, leaving it vulnerable to rising food costs and external shocks. The group also criticized the continued underfunding of agriculture, noting that it remains a small fraction of the national budget despite its critical role in national development. “Providing adequate funding for agriculture will not only ensure higher incomes for food producers but also incentivize them to boost production. More supply in the market leads to lower prices, benefitting the entire nation,” AGRI explained. The group called on lawmakers to recognize the broader implications of their budget decisions, emphasizing that investing in agriculture is a win for all Filipinos. “Sa suporta sa agrikultura, panalo ang masa!” AGRI concluded. #FarmersFirst #FoodSecurityNow #WiseAdvocacy Previous Activities 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

AGRI PL CALLS TO FAST-TRACK EXPANSION OF CROP INSURANCE COVERAGE

AGRI PL CALLS TO FAST-TRACK EXPANSION OF CROP INSURANCE COVERAGE With succeeding typhoons hitting the country, AGRI Party-list has urged the immediate enactment of a measure. This measure would expand crop insurance coverage to protect farmers’ livelihoods. Every time a calamity hits, they lose their hard-earned crops. AGRI is the principal author of House Bill (HB) No. 7387. The bill seeks to expand the services of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) and encourage private sector participation in agricultural insurance. HB 7387 was approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading in March 2023. It is now pending in the Senate. “Nananawagan tayo sa mga kapwa natin mambabatas sa Senado na agarang maisabatas ang panukalang ito,” said AGRI Party-list Representative and Senatorial Aspirant Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee. “Kulang na kulang sa proteksyon sa kabuhayan ang ating mga magsasaka. Alam naman po natin na tuwing may kalamidad, walang natitira sa kanila maliban sa utang at pangamba na lalong malubog sa kahirapan.” Under the measure, the PCIC would provide insurance coverage for all agricultural commodities. This expands coverage, which is currently limited to palay crops. Additionally, the proposed measure would also include other non-crop agricultural assets. These include livestock, aquaculture, fishery, agroforestry, forest plantations, machinery, equipment, transport facilities, and related infrastructures. “Bilang mga itinuturing natin na ‘food security soldiers,’ deserve ng ating mga magsasaka ang suporta ng gobyerno upang siguruhin ang kanilang kita,” the AGRI Party-list said. “Nararapat lamang na pagaanin ang pasanin ng pinagmumulan ng mismong mga kinakain natin!” AGRI also called on the PCIC to intensify its information campaign. The aim is to encourage more farmers to enroll in crop insurance. Moreover, AGRI urged the PCIC to be more proactive. It suggested deploying mobile offices to areas most affected by recent typhoons. “Imbes na maghintay sa mga opisina, kailangan ang gobyerno mismo ang gumawa ng paraan para ilapit ang mga serbisyo at benepisyo para sa ating mga magsasaka,” the party-list stressed. “Hindi na dapat pahirapan ang mga nasalanta nating kababayan o kaya naman ay parang sila pa ang nakikiusap o nagmamakaawa na sila ay tulungan.” AGRI Party-list also emphasized the importance of expanding insurance coverage beyond financial relief. In addition, this would contribute to achieving food security. “Ang pinakamabisang paraan para makamit ang murang pagkain at seguridad sa pagkain ay dagdag na suporta sa agrikultura,” AGRI stated. “Kapag naprotektahan ang kabuhayan ng ating mga magsasaka at mga local food producers at natiyak ang kanilang kita, magsisilbi itong insentibo para pataasin ang kanilang produksyon,” AGRI added. As a result, this would increase supply in the market. Thus, food prices and other commodities would decrease. This would benefit the Filipino people! Previous Activities Share the News! Previous PostNext 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. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Calls on PhilHealth, PCA to Deliver Health Benefits for Coconut Farmers

Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Calls on PhilHealth, PCA to Deliver Health Benefits for Coconut Farmers In light of delays, Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee has urged PhilHealth and PCA to expedite long-overdue health benefits for coconut farmers as mandated by the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund (CFITF) Act. Lee highlighted the urgent need to address healthcare needs in the coconut industry, stressing that health support for farmers is essential for the industry’s progress.. “Dapat agaran nang maipatupad ang mga benepisyong pangkalusugan para sa mga magniniyog na matagal na dapat naipagkaloob,” Lee stated. #SupportCoconutFarmers #WilbertLeeForHealthcare #PhilHealthBenefits #AGRIForThePeople Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 28 Oct 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Calls on PhilHealth, PCA to Deliver Health Benefits for Coconut Farmers 25 Oct 2024 AGRI Party-list Ranks 8th in Tangere Poll for 2025 Elections,  Vows to Continue Advocacy for Farmers 24 Oct 2024 GRI Party-list Ranks Among Top Choices for 2025 Midterm Elections, Says Tangere Survey Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024