Vice presidential candidate Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan declared in Pangasinan that, if elected, he would give priority attention to improving the lives of farmers and fishers to ensure food security in the country.
In a multisectoral dialogue at the University of Pangasinan in Dagupan on Saturday, Feb. 19, Pangilinan emphasized that he will focus on improving the country's agriculture industry in line with his campaign slogan: "Hello Pagkain, Goodbye Gutom."
"Prayoridad natin ang problema sa pagkain. Tutukan natin ang mga magsasaka, bibigyan ng alalay ang mga mangingisda (Our priority is the food problem. We will aid the farmers and give support to the fishermen)," Pangilinan said.
According to Pangilinan, pouring help to agriculture workers such as farmers and fisherfolks will translate to a stable supply of fresh produce in the local markets.
"Kapag sila ay sinuportahan ng maayos, dadami ang ani, dadami ang huli, dadami ang karneng baboy, karneng baka, manok, gulay, bigas, isda, sa merkado (There will be more produce to harvest, more fishes to catch, more supplies of pork, beef, chicken, vegetables, rice, and fish in the market if we help them)," Pangilinan said
"Kapag marami ang supply ng pagkain, bababa na ang presyo ng pagkain, abot kaya na ang pagkain sa lahat kaya 'Hello Pagkain, Goodbye Gutom' ang mangyayari sa atin (When there is a lot of food supply, the price will go down and food will be affordable for everyone)," he explained.
The aspiring vice president shared that he has been extending assistance to members of the Alcala Onion Growers Association in the province since 2012.
"Noong 2012, yung Alcala Onion Growers tinutulungan na natin. Mas maganda na ang kanilang ani, mas maganda na nag kanilang kita dahil may direct access na sila sa merkado (We have been helping the Alcala Onion Growers since 2012. They now have better harvest and better income as they already have direct access to the market)," he said.
Pangilinan likewise vowed that his tandem with presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo will give priority to the poverty-stricken and will continue their programs and projects that aim to uplift the poor.
"Tayo ay tunay na magiging matibay na republika kapag ang mga nasa ilalim ay iniaangat. Hindi maaring ang mga mayayaman lang ang yumayaman habang nananatiling kapos ang marami (We will be a strong republic when the poor will be lifted. We don't want the rich to get richer while many remain poor)," he said.