MANILA — Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Friday renewed his call for innovation in farming, emphasizing the importance of product development and training during his keynote speech at the Bulacan Food Fair and Exposition (Buffex 2025) in Malolos, Bulacan.

Speaking before Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Pangilinan noted that Bulacan remains a major driver of the Philippine economy, contributing almost 15 percent to the country’s agri-fishery sector and fueling value-adding and processing in the industry. He added that Bulacan’s GDP in 2023 exceeded ₱600 million, underscoring that “every bite of food represents not just nourishment and flavor, but also added income and more jobs across the value chain.”

Drawing from his experience as a farmer-CEO, the senator shared how his income grew when he shifted from selling raw harvests to creating packaged products and food baskets. “Let us keep innovating, let us continue to look at value-adding product development,” he said.

Pangilinan also cited his recently filed Senate Bill No. 1183, or the Agricultural Cooperatives Act of 2025, which supports sustainable agricultural practices and training for farmers. Section 30 of the measure mandates funding for sustainable farming methods, while Section 31 requires capacity- and capability-building programs for members of agricultural cooperatives.

The senator reaffirmed that legislation is only part of the solution, stressing that the real key to higher revenues lies in innovation and collective action.

“Sama-sama nating pagtulungan na mai-angat ang ekonomiya ng agriculture, fisheries, agri-manufacturing, processing, and product development,” he said, assuring farmers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders of his full support.

“My office is your office,” Pangilinan added.