AGRI PARTY-LIST

Wilbert Lee

Cong. Wilbert Lee: Supporting Farmers is Best Solution to Curb Inflation

Cong. Wilbert Lee: Supporting Farmers is Best Solution to Curb Inflation Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” Lee is urging the government to strengthen support for farmers as a sustainable solution to high inflation, especially with food prices contributing significantly to inflation rates. At a recent Kapihan sa QC forum, Lee emphasized the risks of relying solely on imported goods to address price hikes. “Ang ating mga magsasaka ang dapat laging isaalang-alang sa bawat polisiya,” he shared, noting that imported products could undermine local farmers’ livelihoods if unchecked. Lee has been a consistent advocate for Filipino farmers, proposing measures that ensure they receive fair compensation and support. His Cheaper Rice Act would mandate higher purchase prices for local palay, helping farmers stay competitive amid the influx of imported rice. Additionally, Lee has introduced bills to strengthen post-harvest facilities and market access for farmers, giving them the tools to enhance productivity and lower production costs. The solon highlighted that local farmers deserve better and that giving them support will benefit all Filipinos. As more farmers are encouraged to grow their businesses, food production will increase, which will ultimately lower prices in the market. “Kapag mas malaki ang kita ng ating mga magsasaka, tataas ang produksyon, dadami ang supply, at bababa ang presyo sa merkado,” Lee stated, believing that empowering farmers is the best way to safeguard the nation against inflation. #EmpowerFarmers #FoodSecurityPH #AGRIForThePeople Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 06 Nov 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee: Supporting Farmers is Best Solution to Curb Inflation 01 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 Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024

Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” Lee Advocates for Stronger Support to Farmers Amid Inflation

Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” Lee Advocates for Stronger Support to Farmers Amid Inflation Amid rising inflation and the recent rice tariff cut, AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee calls for stronger government support for local farmers. Speaking at the Kapihan sa QC forum, Lee expressed concerns over how reduced tariffs on rice imports will impact local producers, emphasizing that while importation may temporarily lower prices, it risks driving farmers into debt. Lee stressed that boosting support for local farmers is the key to addressing the long-term issue of high food prices in the Philippines. The Bicolano solon underscored the importance of self-sufficiency in food production, warning of the risks associated with relying too heavily on imports. “Hindi tayo pwedeng nakaasa lang sa importation,” Lee stated, pointing out that global conflicts, disasters, and climate change could disrupt food exports at any moment. Supporting farmers will not only sustain their livelihoods but also reduce the nation’s dependence on imports, which can be unpredictable. Lee’s call for agricultural support includes his Cheaper Rice Act, which would require the Department of Agriculture (DA) to purchase local palay at a price P5-P10 above the standard farmgate price. This measure would both increase farmers’ income and eventually help lower rice prices for consumers. “Naniniwala tayo na mas epektibo nating mapapababa ang presyo ng pagkain sa dagdag na suporta sa ating mga magsasaka!” he added. #SupportLocalFarmers #FoodSecurityPH #WilbertLeeAdvocacy Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 01 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

Cong. Wilbert Lee: “Ang pinakamabisang solusyon sa inflation ay pagtulong sa mga magsasaka”

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

Cong. Wilbert Lee Champions Bigger Budget for Agriculture in 2025

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

Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Demands Action on Coconut Farmers’ Health Benefits Amid Delays

Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Demands Action on Coconut Farmers’ Health Benefits Amid Delays Following delays in implementing health benefits for coconut farmers, Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee reiterated his call for PhilHealth and Philippine Coconut Authority to fast-track promised benefits, including free diagnostics and increased financial support. Lee, a staunch health advocate, stressed that health funds must prioritize those they were intended to serve. “Gawin na natin! Bawasan natin ang kanilang pangamba sa pagkakasakit,” Lee said, pushing for tangible progress in health benefits delivery. #CoconutFarmersDeserveBetter #HealthAndWelfare #WilbertLeeForProgress #AGRI2025 Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 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 28 Oct 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Calls on PhilHealth, PCA to Deliver Health Benefits for Coconut Farmers Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024

Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Urges PhilHealth, PCA to Fulfill Commitments to Coconut Farmers’ Health

Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Urges PhilHealth, PCA to Fulfill Commitments to Coconut Farmers’ Health As coconut farmers await promised health benefits, Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee reminded PhilHealth and PCA of their obligations under the CFITF Act. Lee emphasized that these benefits, which include increased PhilHealth coverage for critical treatments, are critical for the welfare and financial security of farmers. “Ang pondo para sa mga magniniyog, dapat gamitin para sa serbisyo at benepisyo para sa kanila,” Lee stressed, calling for immediate action. #HealthcareForFarmers #SupportLocalIndustries #WilbertLeeAdvocacy #AGRIList Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 29 Oct 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Urges PhilHealth, PCA to Fulfill Commitments to Coconut Farmers’ Health 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 Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024

Cong. Manoy Wilbert 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

AGRI Party-list Ranks 8th in Tangere Poll for 2025 Elections,  Vows to Continue Advocacy for Farmers

AGRI Party-list Ranks 8th in Tangere Poll for 2025 Elections,  Vows to Continue Advocacy for Farmers AGRI Party-list ranked 8th among party-list preferences in the latest Tangere survey, solidifying its position as a leading advocate for the country’s agricultural sector.  Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee, who also runs for the Senate, highlighted AGRI’s legislative achievements, including the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act and Philippine Salt Industry Development Act, among others.  “Magpapatuloy ang suporta sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda para matugunan ang kanilang pangangailangan,” AGRI stated, emphasizing its commitment to protecting local livelihoods. #TopPartyListChoice #WilbertLeeForThePeople #AGRIForProgress #FarmersFirst Previous Activities Share the News! Previous PostNext 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

GRI Party-list Ranks Among Top Choices for 2025 Midterm Elections, Says Tangere Survey

GRI Party-list Ranks Among Top Choices for 2025 Midterm Elections, Says Tangere Survey AGRI Party-list emerged as one of the preferred choices in the 2025 midterm elections, according to a recent Tangere survey conducted from October 1 to 4. The survey, with 2,400 participants, places AGRI Party-list in the 8th spot among 44 party-lists in the Philippines. “Taos-pusong pasasalamat po sa patuloy na tiwala at suporta,” said Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee, AGRI’s Representative and Senatorial aspirant, pledging continued support for the agricultural sector. #AGRIForThePeople #2025Midterms #WilbertLeeForSenate #SupportFarmers Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 28 Oct 2024 GRI Party-list Ranks Among Top Choices for 2025 Midterm Elections, Says Tangere Survey 21 Oct 2024 LEE URGES PHILHEALTH, PCA TO EXPEDITE IMPLEMENTATION OF COCONUT FARMERS’ HEALTH BENEFITS 21 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee: Government Must Prioritize Coconut Farmers to Become World’s Top Exporter Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024

LEE URGES PHILHEALTH, PCA TO EXPEDITE IMPLEMENTATION OF COCONUT FARMERS’ HEALTH BENEFITS

LEE URGES PHILHEALTH, PCA TO EXPEDITE IMPLEMENTATION OF COCONUT FARMERS’ HEALTH BENEFITS Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee on Monday called on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to fast-track the implementation of health benefits for coconut farmers which has been delayed for several years. The said benefits are mandated by Republic Act (RA) No. 11524 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund (CFITF) Act enacted in 2021 to ease the plight of coconut farmers through support on their health and livelihood. “Dapat agaran nang maipatupad ang mga benepisyong pangkalusugan para sa mga magniniyog na matagal na dapat naipagkaloob gamit ang pondo para sa kanila. Sila ang pundasyon ng isa sa mga pangunahing industriya sa bansa. Mapapalakas pa lalo ang industriya ng niyog kung pinapangalagaan ang kalusugan at kabuhayan ng mga magniniyog,” Lee said. Citing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ goal for the country to become the world’s top coconut exporter, the Bicolano lawmaker reiterated: “Kung seryoso tayo na maabot ang layuning ito, hindi na dapat patagalin pa ang pagpapatupad ng mga dagdag na mga serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa ating mga magniniyog.” It can be recalled that on March 1, 2024, Lee had a meeting with the leadership of PhilHealth and PCA to discuss the importance of informing the coconut farmers and providing them the health benefits that they deserve saying: “Malaking tulong na alam ng ating mga magniniyog ang mga serbisyo ng PhilHealth para mabawasan ang kanilang pasanin at pangamba sa oras na sila ay magkasakit o magpa-ospital.” On April 4, 2024, the solon from Bicol filed House Resolution (HR) No. 1673 urging the Congress to thoroughly investigate the delayed implementation of the health and medical services for the coconut farmers and their families prescribed by the CFITF Act and Executive Order (EO) No. 172. Lee also filed HR No. 954 on May 9, 2023 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. These measures are results of Lee’s constant collaboration with PhilHealth and PCA in crafting policies to ensure that Filipino coconut farmers will get what they deserve. Further, in May 26, 2024 episode of public service program “Si Manoy ang Ninong Ko,” where PCA Administrator Dexter Respicio Buted served as one of the resource persons, Lee stressed the need to prioritize the implementation of essential services for coconut farmers including livelihood assistance and health benefits, among others. A staunch health advocate, he successfully pushed for a 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits last February 14, after more than a decade of these not being adjusted or reviewed by the DOH and PhilHealth. These include increasing the PhilHealth benefit package for hemodialysis from P2,600 to P6,350 per session and from 90 sessions per year to 156 sessions annually, as well as the increase in breast cancer treatment coverage from P100,000 to P1.4M. He is likewise at the forefront of enhancing PhilHealth benefit packages by including costly diagnostic scans such as PET Scan, CT Scan and MRI, providing free optometric services, and increasing the state health insurer’s benefits by another 50%. Last House budget deliberations, through his persistent efforts, Lee was able to secure commitments from the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth in implementing expanded health services for all Filipinos. “Ang pondo para sa mga magniniyog, dapat gamitin para sa serbisyo at benepisyo para sa mga magniniyog. Matagal na itong ipinagkait sa kanila at malaking kasalanan kung patatagalin pa ito,” Lee said.“Bawasan natin ang kanilang pangamba, ng kanilang pamilya at ng lahat ng Pilipino sa pagkakasakit sa takot na lalong malubog sa utang at kahirapan dahil walang pambili ng gamot o pambayad sa ospital. Huwag na nating pabigatin pa ang pasanin ng ating mga kababayan. Gawin na natin!” Lee remarked Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 21 Oct 2024 LEE URGES PHILHEALTH, PCA TO EXPEDITE IMPLEMENTATION OF COCONUT FARMERS’ HEALTH BENEFITS 21 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee: Government Must Prioritize Coconut Farmers to Become World’s Top Exporter 20 Oct 2024 AGRI AMONG PREFERRED PARTY-LISTS IN 2025 MIDTERM ELECTIONS Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024