A group of agricultural professionals, farmers and agricultural development workers have expressed their support for the candidacies of Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan in the May 9 polls.
An informal group of individuals, dubbed as Agriculturists for Leni-Kiko, released a statement of support for the two opposition candidates.
This was signed by licensed agriculturists, former and current professors and researchers in agriculture, farmers, farm managers, and agriculture students from various parts of the country.
The group identified key track record of Robredo through her flagship anti-poverty program, Angat Buhay, aimed at helping farmers and fisherfolks to improve their lives, in partnership with government agencies and private groups, and the passage of Republic Act 11321 or the Sagip Saka Act authored by Pangilinan.
“Now is the time that we focus on agricultural issues, and we should choose our next set of leaders based on their track records, not on empty and baseless promises such as unrealistic lowering of commodity prices such as rice and pork,” said Earwin Belen, a licensed agriculturist, in a statement.
Belen, who is also the convenor of Agriculturists for Leni-Kiko, added that the two will “bring the desired agricultural development and modernization that we have long been dreaming for” should they get elected come May 9.
The group listed down the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem’s agenda on agriculture, such as investments in climate resilient agriculture, financial inclusion of marginal communities, the passage of a National Food Security Bill, and bridging of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to local industries and value chains.
These also include empowerment of local food production instead of importation, tax incentives for the private sector, increased participation of farmers and fisherfolks in policymaking, and the increase of farmers’ incomes.
They also encouraged everyone to support Robredo and Pangilinan toward food security in an honest and transparent government.