Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. on Sunday, February 18, urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to guarantee there is continuous support for the country’s farmers as experts warn of a massive drought in the next few weeks.

Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. meeting with farm leaders in Rosales, Pangasinan on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. (Photo courtesy of O/S Bong Revilla)

Revilla made the call as he emphasized the importance of farmers and their role in society during his meeting with more than 50 farm leaders in the town of Rosales, Pangasinan.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned that temperatures could reach up to 36.5 degrees Celsius nationwide and up to 40 degrees Celsius in Metro Manila and Northern Luzon in the coming weeks since the country is already experiencing a strong and mature El Niño since January of this year.

“Kung mayroong sektor na dapat bigyan natin ng walang patid na atensyon at pagkalinga, yon ay ang sektor ng ating mga magsasaka. Dahil kung walang mga magsasaka na magtatanim, mangingisda, mga taong gumagawa ng paraan para may makain ang lipunan, eh saan na lang ba tayo pupulutin (If there is a sector that we must give uninterrupted attention and care, it is the sector of our farmers. Because if there are no farmers to plant, fishers, people who make a way for the society to eat, where will we pick from),” Revilla said.

“Baka bago pa natin maharap at masolusyonan ang ibang mga problema ng ating bansa eh wala na tayong lahat, dahil wala tayo makain (Maybe before we can face and solve the other problems of our country, we will all be gone, because we have nothing to eat),” he added.

Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. listened SINCERELY. the cries of farmers in the town of Rosales in Pangasinan after the lawmaker visited and met them on Sunday morning (February 18).

The veteran senator held a dialogue with more than 50 farm leaders to inquire about their situation as well as that of the other farmers they represent. Revilla found out what the said farmers are experiencing so that he as a public servant can respond to their needs.

Nevertheless, Revilla said he is confident in the leadership of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., noting his previous promise of more programs to implement under the DA, including the cash and fuel voucher program for farmers in Pangasinan.

The DA, Revilla noted, is also now taking steps to address the effects of the current El Niño.

“Ayon mismo sa DA, marami po silang nakahandang programa. Dito sa Pangasinan, may mga cash and fuel vouchers sila para sa ating mga magsasaka upang makatulong na pagyabungin nila ang kanilang hanapbuhay (According to the DA itself, they have many programs prepared. Here in Pangasinan, they have cash and fuel vouchers for our farmers to help them prosper in their work),” the senator said during the dialogues.

At the same time, Revilla pushed for the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. 23 or "Pantawid Magsasakang Pilipino Act” which he filed and which aims to provide direct cash assistance to farmers, especially the poor rice farmers who are affected due to the easing of rice importation.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Works, the senator also pushed for a fair allocation of government funds for the construction of farm-to-market roads.

“Hindi lingid sa kaalaman ng lahat ang halaga ng pagkakaroon ng farm-to-market roads para maging mas madali at mura at pagdadala ng mga ani ng ating magsasaka sa mga pamilihan. Kaya sa ating panukala, bibigyan natin ng mas malaking porsyento ang mga munisipyo kaysa sa mga probinsya para bumuo ng ganitong klase ng mga daanan. Tiwala tayo na mas alam ng ating mga pamahalaang bayan ang pangangailangan ng kanilang mga pinaglilingkuran (Not everyone knows the value of having farm-to-market roads to make it easier and cheaper to bring our farmers' produce to the markets. So in our proposal, we will give a larger percentage to the municipalities than the provinces to build this type of roads. We trust that our local governments are more aware of the needs of those they serve),” he stressed.