AGRI PARTY-LIST

Wilbert Lee

Lee To DA: Ready QRF For Drought-Hit Areas

Advocacy, Support / By

Lee To DA: Ready QRF For Drought-Hit Areas The Department of Agriculture (DA) should anticipate more areas in the country to be declared under a state of calamity due to drought and ready its Quick Response Fund (QRF) under this year’s calamity funds so that it can be immediately tapped and released to aid drought-hit farmers, AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee said. This, as the local government of San Enrique town in Negros Occidental declared the municipality under a state of calamity following weeks of rising temperatures, dry weather conditions, and lack of rainfall.  The town’s mayor says 90 percent of the town’s rice fields have already dried up and farmers couldn’t start replanting due to the unfavorable weather conditions. San Enrique is home to some 26,000 people and is one of the top rice-producing towns in Negros Occidental. A large chunk of the town’s 2,884.75-hectare land area are rice farms. About 20 local government units (LGUs) have declared a state of calamity due to the impact of El Niño. “Kailangang i-expect natin na sa darating na mga linggo ay madadagdagan pa ang mga lugar na magdedeklara ng state of calamity dahil sa matinding init at tagtuyot. Kaya dapat siguraduhin ng DA na ready for release at download sa kanilang regional offices ang QRF kapag nagdeklara na ng state of calamity ang mga LGU para naman mabigyan ng agarang ayuda ang mga apektadong magsasaka sa mga lugar na ‘yon,” Lee said. The Bicolano lawmaker also asked the DA and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to coordinate for possible cloud-seeding operations over major farm areas in the country to cushion the detrimental effects of the El Niño. The on-going dry spell is expected in the Philippines to persist until May. 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

Pagamutan Hindi Piitan! Lee Seeks Probe To Stop Palit-Ulo In Hospitals

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Pagamutan Hindi Piitan! Lee Seeks Probe To Stop Palit-Ulo In Hospitals AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee has filed a measure which seeks to probe the alleged hospital detention of relatives of the deceased patients as well as the refusal to release death certificates and other relevant medical documents due to unsettled bills of the patient, forcing those involved to find another person to replace them in the hospital before they are allowed to leave its premises—a scheme known as “palit-ulo”.  Lee filed House Resolution No. 1674 after the reported complaints against ACE (Allied Care Experts) Medical Center, which allegedly held in detention the relatives of deceased patients and refused to provide death certificate, unless replaced by another person or until their hospital dues were settled.  “Pinupuntahan ang mga hospital para ipagamot, hindi para ikulong, ang mga pasyente at mga kaanak nila. Demonyo ang gumagawa ng krimeng ito; sila na dumadagdag pa sa pasanin at pagdurusa ng mga pasyente at kanilang pamilya,” he asked.  “Eh kung sila kaya ang ikulong, habang nangangamba sa kalusugan ng kaanak, o habang nagluluksa sa pagkamatay ng kapamilya?”  “Pagamutan, hindi piitan. Pakikipagkapwa-tao, hindi negosyo. Malasakit at hindi pasakit sana ang pairalin ng ating mga ospital,” Lee stated.   In the said Resolution, Lee recounted the experiences of reported “palit-ulo” victims in the said hospital, such as Richel Mae Alvaro who was barred from leaving its premises due to her husband’s unsettled bill. Alvaro was still under illegal detention even after the remains of her husband were already taken out of the hospital.  Lovery Magtangob, on the other hand, was allegedly asked to stay at the Office of Safety Officer while waiting for her brother to settle the bill of their relative. Magtangob said she was released only after paying a partial payment of their unsettled bill.  According to the Bicolano lawmaker, hospitals that practice “palit-ulo” scheme are criminally liable for Serious Illegal Detention and Slight Illegal Detention under the Revised Penal Code.  “Acquiring unsettled hospital bills is not a criminal offense under our laws, and the same is also not an ailment requiring compulsory confinement of the patient in a hospital. Kaya tigilan na itong kawalanghiyaan, karumal-dumal, at ilegal na gawaing ito!” Lee said.  Through HR 1674, Lee underscored the importance of identifying any loopholes in the existing policies regarding the rights of patients, their relatives, and visitors, and the rights of hospitals and medical clinics over unsettled bills of patients, as well as exacting accountability to those who are involved in the illegal detention. The solon also pointed out that the “palit-ulo” scheme is proof that there is an alarming gap and perennial problems in our healthcare system that needs to be addressed with appropriate measures.  “Hindi na nga po nakapagtataka kung bakit pangunahin sa mga pangamba ng ating mga kababayan ang pagkakasakit, kung saan marami ang namamatay nang hindi man lang nakapagpapatingin sa doktor o ospital; o pinipili na lang maratay sa bahay sa kabila ng mabigat na karamdaman,” Lee said.  “Lahat tayo, may karapatang mabuhay. Mayaman man o mahirap, dapat pinagkakalooban ng estado ng de-kalidad, abot-kaya, at may pusong serbisyong pangkalusugan. Nasaan ang hustisya kung sa kagustuhan mong magpagamot at mabuhay, ikukulong ka pa o ang iyong mga kapamilya?” he lamented.  Lee, a staunch health advocate, persistently pushed for the 30% increase in Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) benefits which took effect on February 14. The solon also advocated for unlimited coverage for dialysis, cancer treatment, heart bypass surgery, and other diagnostic tests and preventive measures, as well as the effective implementation of the No Balance Billing policy so that patients and their families won’t be burdened by high medical expenses. 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

Lee To DA: Help Reduce Diabetes In PH By Mainstreaming Low-GI, High-Protein Rice

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Lee To DA: Help Reduce Diabetes In PH By Mainstreaming Low-GI, High-Protein Rice AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to partner with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to hasten the release of ultra-low glycemic index (GI) and protein-rich variety of rice to Filipino farmers. Lee said mainstreaming the production of this variety of rice would greatly aid in the reduction of diabetes mellitus cases in the country. “Hindi naman po kaila sa atin na ang Pilipinas ay isa sa mga nangungunang consumer ng bigas sa buong mundo. At dahil tila permanenteng parte na ng ating pagkain ang kanin, hindi maikakaila ang koneksyon nito sa dami ng may diabetes sa bansa,” he said. Based on the latest data from the International Diabetes Federation of which the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism is a member, out of a total adult population of 66,754,400 in the Philippines in 2021, there were a total of 4,303,899 cases of diabetes recorded, equivalent to 6.44 percent. Further, in 2023, deaths in the Philippines due to diabetes mellitus were recorded at 14,416 cases, or 6.2 percent share, making it the fourth leading cause of death in the country. The IRRI aims to introduce the ultra-low GI, high protein rice variety by 2025. The research institute said the multi-location trial for this has already been started in more than 10 provinces nationwide. Glycemic index is a ranking of carbohydrate-containing foods based on how slowly or quickly they are digested and increase blood glucose levels, with pure sugar having a score of 100. The IRRI said it expects more rice farmers to cultivate this variety once the trials determine the target market. According to IRRI scientists, the price of ultra-low GI, high protein rice will be the same as the normal rice available in the markets. According to Lee, the DA can certainly find ways to expedite and expand the trials, saying that “kapag napabilis natin ang pag-distribute ng variety ng bigas na ito sa ating mga magsasaka, mas mapapabilis din ang pagma-mainstream nito sa merkado. “ “Kapag mas may access at nagawa pa nating mas abot-kaya sa Pilipino ang ganitong klase ng bigas, mas marami ang matutulungan nating makaiwas o mabawasan ang alalahanin sa mga chronic disease tulad ng diabetes at kaugnay nitong mga sakit.” “Dahil sinasabi rin ng mga eksperto na mas mabilis tayong makakaramdam ng pagkabusog sa bigas na ito, mas kaunti rin ang ikokonsumo natin. Bawas na sa pangamba sa sakit, bawas pa sa gastos. Winner Tayo Lahat sa bagong uri at mas healthy na bigas na ito,” he added. Lee, a staunch health advocate, persistently pushed for the 30% increase in Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) benefits which took effect on February 14. The solon also urged PhilHealth to provide unlimited coverage for cancer treatment, heart bypass surgery, and other diagnostic tests and preventive measures, as well as the effective implementation of the No Balance Billing policy to lessen the out-of-pocket medical expenses of patients and their families. 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 AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to partner with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to hasten the release of ultra-low glycemic index (GI) and protein-rich variety of rice to Filipino farmers. Lee said mainstreaming the production of this variety of rice would greatly aid in the reduction of diabetes mellitus cases in the country. “Hindi naman po kaila sa atin na ang Pilipinas ay isa sa mga nangungunang consumer ng bigas sa buong mundo. At dahil tila permanenteng parte na ng ating pagkain ang kanin, hindi maikakaila ang koneksyon nito sa dami ng may diabetes sa bansa,” he said. Based on the latest data from the International Diabetes Federation of which the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism is a member, out of a total adult population of 66,754,400 in the Philippines in 2021, there were a total of 4,303,899 cases of diabetes recorded, equivalent to 6.44 percent. Further, in 2023, deaths in the Philippines due to diabetes mellitus were recorded at 14,416 cases, or 6.2 percent share, making it the fourth leading cause of death in the country. The IRRI aims to introduce the ultra-low GI, high protein rice variety by 2025. The research institute said the multi-location trial for this has already been started in more than 10 provinces nationwide. Glycemic index is a ranking of carbohydrate-containing foods based on how slowly or quickly they are digested and increase blood glucose levels, with pure sugar having a score of 100. The IRRI said it expects more rice farmers to cultivate this variety once the trials determine the target market. According to IRRI scientists, the price of ultra-low GI, high protein rice will be the same as the normal rice available in the markets. According to Lee, the DA can certainly find ways to expedite and expand the trials, saying that “kapag napabilis natin ang pag-distribute ng variety ng bigas na ito sa ating mga magsasaka, mas mapapabilis din ang pagma-mainstream nito sa merkado. “ “Kapag mas may access at nagawa pa nating mas abot-kaya sa Pilipino ang ganitong klase ng bigas, mas marami ang matutulungan nating makaiwas o mabawasan ang alalahanin sa mga chronic disease tulad ng diabetes at kaugnay nitong mga sakit.” “Dahil sinasabi rin ng mga eksperto na mas mabilis tayong makakaramdam ng pagkabusog sa bigas na ito, mas kaunti rin ang ikokonsumo natin. Bawas na sa pangamba sa sakit, bawas pa sa gastos. Winner Tayo Lahat sa bagong uri at mas healthy na bigas na ito,” he added. Lee, a staunch health advocate, persistently pushed for the 30% increase in Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) benefits

Lee To DA: Invest In Research On Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties

Legislation / By

Lee To DA: Invest In Research On Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to focus on the development of climate-resilient varieties of major crops to mitigate the impact of future occurrences of the El Niño phenomenon. This, as the DA announced that agricultural damage caused by the intensifying El Niño has already reached ₱1.75 billion, covering more than 32,000 hectares of farm lands and displacing almost 30,000 farmers. “Panahon na upang pagtuunan natin ng pansin ang pagdevelop ng climate-resilient na palay at mais para maibsan ang epekto ng El Niño sa hinaharap,” Lee said. “Mayroon nang mga naunang pag-aaral ang IRRI (International Rice Research Institute) sa climate-resilient rice na kayang magtolerate sa extreme climate conditions. We just need to adopt and build on this technology in order for our farmers to benefit from it,” he added. The IRRI has developed drought-tolerant rice varieties which have been released in several countries including Sahbhagi Dhan in India, the Sahod Ulan in the Philippines, and the Sookha Dhan varieties in Nepal. The IRRI is also currently studying flood-tolerant rice varieties which have been released and are now being planted in various areas including Swarna Sub1 in India, Samba Mahsuri in Bangladesh, and IR64-Sub1 in the Philippines. “Mayroon ding pag-aaral ang United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) tungkol naman sa drought-tolerant (DT) corn. I suggest we propose a knowledge exchange of sorts para mapakinabangan nila ang pag-aaral natin sa palay at makuha naman natin ang teknolohiya nila sa mais,” the Bicolano lawmaker said. DT corn varieties became available to US farmers between 2011 and 2013 after decades of research on drought tolerance by crop breeders and plant scientists. “We need to utilize and maximize all available agricultural technologies so as to make our farmers—our food security soldiers—more resilient to climate change,” the solon said. “Kapag hindi na apektado ang ating mga magsasaka sa pagbabago ng klima, tataas ang produksyon at kita nila, at bawas pangamba naman sa ibang mga pangangailangan tulad ng gastos sa pagkakasakit o pagpapa-ospital.” “Ang dulo nito, makakatulong ang climate resilient crop varieties sa pagkamit ng food security. At kapag natiyak natin ang food security, siguradong Winner Tayo Lahat ,” he added. The DA earlier announced that eight regions in the Philippines were most affected by the El Niño: Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Soccsksargen. Most affected was Mimaropa, which incurred P770 million damage to agriculture, followed by Western Visayas with ₱560 million; Cagayan Valley, ₱180 million; Central Luzon, ₱158 million; Ilocos, ₱54 million; Zamboanga peninsula, ₱13 million; Calabarzon, ₱7 million, and Soccsksargen, ₱2 million.  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 Seeks In-Depth, Swift Resolution Of Probe On NFA Anomaly

Legislation / By

Lee Seeks In-Depth, Swift Resolution Of Probe On NFA Anomaly Bilisan at ungkatin para ubusin ang mga tiwali! AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee on Wednesday called for a swift and impartial resolution of the ongoing investigation on the alleged anomalous sale of the government’s rice buffer stocks by the National Food Authority (NFA). The Bicolano lawmaker made the statement after the Ombudsman also suspended Piolito Santos, who was appointed acting NFA administrator last week, and Jonathan Yazon, acting department manager for operation and coordination of the NFA. “Welcome development itong inilabas ng Ombudsman na suspension order sa dalawa pang opisyal ng NFA. Dapat maging mabilis at patas itong imbestigasyon at malaman ang katotohanan sa anomalyang ito sa ahensya,” Lee said. “Gusto natin na agarang mapanagot ang dapat managot, at siguruhing makabalik agad sa trabaho ang mga kawaning nadamay lang at walang kasalanan, lalo pa’t siguradong napakalaki na ng psychological impact ng kontrobersiyang ito sa kanilang mga pamilya,” he added. Lee earlier urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. to purge NFA of corrupt officials in order to restore the public’s trust in the agency. He further reiterated that the agency’s operations must not be hindered, especially in easing the burden of local farmers, who continue to suffer from the detrimental effects of El Niño. “Sa harap ng imbestigasyong ito, kailangang siguruhin na hindi mapaparalisa ang operasyon ng NFA dahil kapag nangyari ito, kawawa lalo ang ating mga lokal na magsasaka,” the solon pointed out. According to Lee, “Dapat matanggal sa NFA ang mga tiwali o may bahid ng korapsyon, lalo na sa hanay ng mga opisyal nito. Tungkulin ng NFA na mapagaan ang pasanin ng mga lokal na magsasaka, makatulong sa mga consumers na makabili ng mas murang bigas at maghatid ng agarang ayuda sa mga apektado ng sakuna, hindi yung pinalalaki pa nila ang kita ng mga mapagsamantalang traders.” Lee filed House Resolution No. 1625 which aims to identify any gaps or loopholes in the existing policies of the NFA and determine what legislation is necessary to ensure the agency’s optimal utilization of goods and proper disposal methods. “Winner Tayo Lahat kung mauubos ang mga tiwali saanmang ahensya ng gobyerno, kung nagtatrabaho ito para magkaroon ng tiyak na kabuhayan, dagdag na kita, sapat at masustansyang pagkain, at maibsan ang pangamba ng bawat pamilya na wala silang panggastos kapag sila ay nagkasakit,” Lee stressed. 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 Lauds High RCEF Utilization, Asks PhilMech To Provide More Post-Harvest Equipment

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Lee Lauds High RCEF Utilization, Asks PhilMech To Provide More Post-Harvest Equipment AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee lauded the high utilization rate of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund’s (RCEF) Mechanization Program. “Nakakatuwa na sa wakas ay nama-maximize na ang paggamit sa pondong para naman talaga sa ating mga magsasaka,” Lee said. The Bicolano lawmaker was reacting to the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization’s (PhilMech) report of a 91.6 percent delivery rate for the machines procured under the RCEF. “Ang pera ng taumbayan, dapat gamitin para sa kapakinabangan ng taumbayan. Kaya nagpapasalamat tayo sa pakikipagtulungan ng PhilMech, sa pamumuno ni Dir. Dionisio Alvindia, para pagaanin ang pasanin ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda na itinuturing nating food security soldiers,” Lee said. “Sa pag-iikot natin, itong farm equipment and mechanization ang talagang pinakahinihintay nila para mapataas ang kanilang produksyon at kita, na magagamit nila pantustos sa iba pa nilang mga bayarin, lalo na sa panahon ng emergency o pagkakasakit,” he added.   Data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) revealed that the RCEF’s utilization in 2019 was a mere 36.54 percent. It improved to 86.45 percent in 2020, but slipped to 80 percent in 2021 and further declined to 76.16 percent in 2022. The PhilMech attributed the RCEF’s low utilization levels to delays in the initial disbursements. The agency said it has already obligated ₱24.9 billion for the procurement of agricultural equipment and has distributed 28,817 pieces of farm equipment including 14,713 land preparation machines; 4,284 crop establishment technologies; 8,210 harvesting and threshing equipment; 768 drying technologies, and 842 milling equipment. “Matagal na nating sinasabi na ang susi sa food security ng bansa at para maging Winner Tayo Lahat ay ang pagkakaroon ng mga karagdagang post-harvest facilities tulad ng cold storages, dryers, at transport facilities,” Lee stressed. “Bukod sa dagdagan, panawagan din natin sa PhilMech na pabilisin pa ang pamimigay ng post-harvest equipment. Dapat simplehan at iklian lang ang mga requirements na hinihingi ng gobyerno mula sa mga magsasaka at kooperatiba.” “Naghain din tayo ng House Resolution No. 1636 para tukuyin at suriin ang mga naging hamon at problema sa RCEF, at nang mas mapabuti pa ang implementasyon nito sa isusulong natin na pagpapalawig ng programa,” the solon added. The RCEF is a six-year allocation of ₱10 billion anually starting 2019, granted under Republic Act No. 11203 or the “Rice Tariffication Law.” It is meant to improve rice farmers’ competitiveness amid the liberalized rice trade policy. PhilMech is the implementing agency for the RCEF’s farm mechanization component. The program gets ₱5 billion of the annual RCEF.  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

More post-harvest facilities, lower food prices: ‘Wag tipirin ang mga magsasaka!’ – Lee

2024, Advocacy / By

More post-harvest facilities, lower food prices: ‘Wag tipirin ang mga magsasaka!’ – Lee AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee reiterated the crucial role of post-harvest facilities such as cold storages, dryers, and transport facilities to help farmers increase their income and lower food prices.  Lee renewed his call to prioritize these facilities after Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said on Tuesday that a total of P93 billion is needed to build post-harvest facilities and prevent wasting corn and rice.  According to the DA Secretary, around 12.7% to 15% of rice production is lost due to lack of post-harvest facilities. “We support the plan of Sec. Laurel to fund these projects dahil matagal na rin po nating panawagan ang paglalaan ng dagdag na pondo para sa post-harvest facilities,” Lee said. “We call on the House leadership to deliberate soon our proposed House Bill No. 3958 or the “Post-Harvest Facilities Support Act” and compel the government to construct and provide post-harvest facilities across the country,” he added. During the past budget deliberations, Lee repeatedly pointed out that not enough agricultural products reach the market due to extremely high post-harvest losses and lack of post-harvest services.  Lee also previously questioned the DA on why the agency continued to propose low budgets for the said facilities despite the recurring problems of farmers on this phase of the agriculture value chain. “Napakalaki ng diperensya sa pondong ipinagkakaloob para sa pre-harvest activities kumpara sa inilalaan sa post-harvest facilities and services. Ang suporta ng gobyerno, hindi dapat natatapos sa pagtatanim, dapat tuloy-tuloy ito hanggang sa anihan at paghahatid ng produkto sa merkado at mga consumers,” stressed the solon.  It can be recalled that during the plenary deliberations of the proposed 2024 budget of DA last year, Lee proposed to streamline and simplify the requirements to facilitate the distribution of services and establishment of facilities that will help farmers and fisherfolk increase their production, which the agency committed to do. “Nakapanlulumo yung ilang beses na nating nababalitaan na kung hindi man sinisira na lang ng mga magsasaka ang kanilang produkto, ay bumibiyahe pa sila nang napakalayo at ibinebenta na lang ang ani nang palugi kesa mabulok,” he said.  “Hindi dapat tinetengga o tinitipid ang pondo para sa mga magsasaka at buong sektor ng agrikultura. Magiging Winner Tayo Lahat, mula sa mga agri workers na kikita nang mas malaki, at consumers na makakatipid sa mas murang bilihin, kung imbes na mga walang silbing proyekto, ay itong mga post-harvest facilities ang tinataasan ang pondo at mabilis na itinatayo at ipinamimigay,” the lawmaker added. Advocacy Share the News! Next 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 Previous Activities Legislation Support