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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

2025 News, Uncategorized / By

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

Wilbert Lee speaking at a policy briefing about food security.

Better Transport Policy for Murang Pagkain: AGRI Party-list’s Vision

2025 News, Advocacy / By

Better Transport Policy for Murang Pagkain: AGRI Party-list’s Vision In its continuous mission to deliver murang pagkain to every Filipino household, the AGRI Party-list, led by Representative and Senatorial Aspirant Wilbert Lee, has proposed a groundbreaking initiative: opening the EDSA Busway to agricultural and food delivery vehicles during night hours. This plan not only addresses critical logistical challenges but also contributes significantly to food security and affordability. Addressing Key Challenges in Food Transport Traffic congestion in Metro Manila is one of the biggest barriers to delivering fresh, affordable food to urban areas. Delayed transportation of perishable goods often leads to spoilage, wastage, and higher costs for both suppliers and consumers. AGRI’s proposed solution, outlined in House Resolution No. 2162, aims to dedicate 10 PM to 5 AM for agricultural vehicles on the EDSA Busway, optimizing the delivery of essential goods. “Timely and efficient transport of agricultural products is crucial for reducing costs and ensuring the availability of murang pagkain,” AGRI emphasized. This resolution also prioritizes the needs of farmers and food producers, enabling them to maximize profits while reducing waste. Collaboration for Seamless Implementation The resolution emphasizes the importance of coordination with key government agencies, including the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). By working together, these agencies can develop a formal policy framework to regulate agricultural transport on the EDSA Busway while avoiding disruptions to public transportation services. AGRI also highlighted the need for consultations with agricultural and food industry stakeholders to address logistical bottlenecks. “Through inclusive consultations, we can identify challenges and solutions that benefit both producers and consumers,” AGRI stated. Wilbert Lee’s Commitment to Murang Pagkain Wilbert Lee, a staunch advocate for food security and agricultural development, sees this initiative as a vital step in supporting farmers, fisherfolk, and food producers. “When logistics work efficiently, everyone benefits—farmers earn more, consumers pay less, and food waste is minimized. Murang pagkain becomes achievable through practical and inclusive solutions,” Lee explained. The AGRI Party-list has consistently pushed for legislative measures that address rising food prices, including the recent filing of House Resolution No. 2158 to investigate tomato price surges and expose the role of hoarders and cartels in market manipulation. These actions underscore AGRI’s dedication to protecting consumers and producers alike. Leveraging Innovation for Food Security By opening the EDSA Busway to agricultural vehicles, the government can pave the way for innovative solutions in food logistics. The proposal ensures that perishable goods are prioritized, reducing spoilage and increasing the supply of fresh, affordable food in markets across Metro Manila. AGRI’s plan also encourages the use of modern technology and efficient systems to optimize supply chains. “Murang pagkain starts with a system that works for everyone—farmers, transport operators, and consumers,” AGRI emphasized. Murang Pagkain for Every Filipino The AGRI Party-list’s vision for murang pagkain aligns with its broader advocacy for food security and rural development. Opening the EDSA Busway to agricultural vehicles is just one of many initiatives aimed at addressing food supply challenges and reducing prices. “Murang pagkain, gawin na natin! Together, we can make affordable food a reality for every Filipino family,” AGRI concluded, urging swift government action to implement this transformative policy. #MurangPagkain #AgriculturePolicy #WilbertLee #FoodLogistics #SupportFarmers Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 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 16 Jan 2025 Unrestricting EDSA Busway: A Step Towards Murang Pagkain Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024

A Metro Manila market filled with affordable fresh food.

Murang Pagkain: Strengthening Food Security Through Better Logistics

2025 News, Advocacy / By

Murang Pagkain: Strengthening Food Security Through Better Logistics The AGRI Party-list, led by Wilbert Lee, is spearheading efforts to ensure murang pagkain through an innovative proposal to open the EDSA Busway to agricultural and food delivery vehicles at night. By facilitating faster and more efficient food logistics, this initiative aims to enhance food security and reduce costs for consumers. House Resolution No. 2162: Addressing Traffic and Logistics Challenges Traffic congestion has long plagued Metro Manila, causing delays in the transport of perishable goods and contributing to food spoilage and higher prices. AGRI’s House Resolution No. 2162 proposes exclusive access to the EDSA Busway from 10 PM to 5 AM for agricultural vehicles, ensuring uninterrupted delivery of fresh produce and essential food items. “We need to guarantee timely delivery of agricultural goods to stabilize food prices and achieve food security. This is a critical step toward providing murang pagkain for every Filipino,” AGRI emphasized. Wilbert Lee: Advocating for Farmers and Consumers Wilbert Lee, AGRI Party-list’s Representative seeking a Senate seat, underscores the importance of reducing logistical barriers for farmers and fisherfolk. “When transport is efficient, costs go down, and food becomes affordable. Murang pagkain starts with a system that works for both producers and consumers,” Lee stated. Collaboration with Stakeholders AGRI’s proposal calls for consultations with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), LTFRB, MMDA, and other stakeholders to implement a coordinated system for agricultural transport. This ensures minimal disruption to public transport while maximizing benefits for food supply chains. Ensuring Affordable Food for All AGRI Party-list remains steadfast in its mission to reduce food prices. Through legislative efforts, such as the investigation into price surges and tackling hoarding practices, AGRI continues to advocate for murang pagkain. The EDSA Busway proposal aligns with AGRI’s vision to boost local food production, improve supply chains, and protect the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk. “Murang pagkain isn’t just a goal; it’s a commitment to every Filipino family,” AGRI concluded. #MurangPagkain #FoodSecurity #SupportFarmers #EfficientSupplyChain #AffordableFood Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 17 Jan 2025 Murang Pagkain: Strengthening Food Security Through Better Logistics 16 Jan 2025 Unrestricting EDSA Busway: A Step Towards Murang Pagkain 15 Jan 2025 Murang Pagkain, 'wag hulihin!AGRI PL to DOTr: OPEN EDSA BUSWAY FOR AGRI, FOOD DELIVERY VEHICLES AT NIGHT Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024

AGRI Party-list Advocates for Full Protection of Agriculture Budget in 2025

Advocacy / By

AGRI Party-list Advocates for Full Protection of Agriculture Budget in 2025 The AGRI Party-list is rallying lawmakers in the Senate and House of Representatives to safeguard the agriculture sector’s budget as the Bicameral Conference Committee prepares to finalize the 2025 General Appropriations Bill. With the nation’s food security and rural livelihoods on the line, AGRI Party-list Representative and Senatorial Aspirant Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee emphasized the critical importance of maintaining sufficient funding for agriculture.“Cutting the budget for agriculture at this critical time would severely undermine our ability to achieve food security and support millions of farmers, fisherfolk, and local food producers. These are the ‘food security soldiers’ who sustain our nation’s food supply, and they deserve more, not less, support from the government,” Lee said. He stressed that investing in agriculture is essential not only for economic recovery but also for long-term national stability. The Bicameral Conference Committee, tasked with reconciling Senate and House versions of the ₱6.352-trillion National Budget, will convene next week. AGRI Party-list expressed concerns over the possible reduction in allocations for agriculture, highlighting the severe consequences of underfunding in the face of rising global food prices and intensifying climate change.“Reducing the agriculture budget is a step backward,” AGRI said in a statement. “This is not just about farmers; this is about safeguarding the country’s food supply from external shocks and ensuring the resilience of our local food systems. Cutting corners in agriculture funding could leave millions vulnerable to food insecurity.”#SupportOurFarmers #FoodSecurityPH #WiseLeadership 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: “Ang pinakamabisang solusyon sa inflation ay pagtulong sa mga magsasaka”

2024 News, Support / By

Cong. Wilbert Lee: “Ang pinakamabisang solusyon sa inflation ay pagtulong sa mga magsasaka” Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee continues to be a vocal supporter of agricultural investment as a solution to rising inflation. In the upcoming 2025 budget deliberations, Lee is committed to amending the National Expenditure Program (NEP) to secure additional funds for the agriculture sector, which has been reduced to P211 billion in the current proposal. He argued that supporting agriculture is the “best defense” against inflation by stabilizing local food prices and reducing dependency on imports. Lee’s vision includes meaningful spending to ensure government assistance for agriculture spanning the entire value chain—from planting to harvesting to distribution. His advocacy for the digitization of the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) further underscores his commitment to streamlining assistance to farmers, ensuring they receive timely support. Lee emphasized, “Kapag nag-invest tayo sa agrikultura at sinuportahan ang mga magsasaka, tataas ang kanilang produksyon, bababa ang presyo ng pagkain. Panalo ang masa!” Through his initiatives like the Post-Harvest Facilities Support Act and the Kadiwa Agri-Food Terminal Act, Lee is actively working to secure resources that will directly benefit the agriculture sector. His dedication to the cause reflects his belief in empowering the nation’s “food security soldiers” to help alleviate the economic burden on Filipino families and secure the country’s food future. #SupportOurFarmers #InflationSolutionsPH #WilbertLeeForAGRI Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 04 Nov 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee: “Ang pinakamabisang solusyon sa inflation ay pagtulong sa mga magsasaka” 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 Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024