MANILA – Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said the Philippines cannot achieve developed nation status unless the government ensures that farmers and fisherfolk have access to critical aid that will lead to rural development and improved livelihoods for the country’s poorest agricultural workers.

Speaking at the Harvard Kennedy School alumni meeting on September 5, Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate agriculture committee, underscored the need to address persistent poverty in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

“I don’t think we will reach developed nation status unless we address the 27% of our farming population who are wallowing in poverty and the 27.3% of our fisherfolk (who are) wallowing in poverty,” he said.

Pangilinan stressed that solving these issues would require stronger cooperation between government and the private sector.

“There’s a huge opportunity out there, but we just need to fix the governance aspect because unless (the) government is serious, then the private sector will not be inspired to invest,” he said. “And we all know that in any economy, the private sector has the deepest pockets.”

He added that private investments would follow once the government shows commitment in creating a conducive environment for agriculture and fisheries.

“When the private sector sees government is serious, is investing, is providing the environment conducive to investing and supporting our agriculture and fisheries, then (the) private sector will come in,” Pangilinan said.

The senator also warned that food prices will remain high if the government fails to secure the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk earning below livable wages.

Pangilinan acknowledged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s consistent emphasis on agricultural reforms but said the Chief Executive needs broader support.

“In the last State of the Nation Address, his first order of business was to discuss agriculture. And I say this because he has three more years to go,” he said. “And therefore, the window of opportunity to put in place structural reforms under a President who needs help in wanting to address decades-old—if not centuries-old—challenges in the agriculture, in fisheries sector… is fast closing.”

He expressed hope that in the remaining years of Marcos’ term, the government can introduce key reforms to “turn agriculture and fisheries around.”