Congressional representative and senatorial candidate Camille Villar received the endorsement of a major agriculture industry group on Thursday, as she vowed to strengthen legislative support for the country’s farming and livestock sectors.

Rosendo So, president of the Samahan ng Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), publicly backed Villar’s senatorial bid, citing her consistent advocacy for farmers, poultry, and livestock producers.

“Camille has always shown concern for the welfare of the agriculture sector, just like her parents,” So said, referring to former Senate President Manny Villar and incumbent Senator Cynthia Villar. “Whenever the sector needs help, we also go to Camille. She’s very supportive and understands what’s needed in both the House and Senate.”

Villar, who was campaigning across several towns in Pangasinan, emphasized the need to pass more measures to boost the agriculture industry. Among these is the creation of a Livestock, Poultry, and Dairy Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, which she said would function similarly to the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.

She expressed her support for the passage of Senate Bill No. 2558 — the proposed law to improve competitiveness in the livestock, poultry, and dairy industries while streamlining relevant government functions. The Senate passed the bill on third and final reading in August 2024, but it is still awaiting counterpart legislation in the House of Representatives.

Villar also highlighted the passage of Republic Act 12022, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law, as a landmark achievement credited in part to her family’s legislative initiatives. The law classifies large-scale smuggling, hoarding, and profiteering in agriculture as acts of economic sabotage

“If elected to the Senate, I will continue to prioritize legislation that safeguards our farmers and revitalizes agriculture,” Villar said.