MANILA — Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan underscored his commitment to strengthening the agriculture sector, vowing to fight for a bigger budget to support farmers and fisherfolk as he led the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) first pre-budget briefing at the Bureau of Soil and Water Management.

Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, presided over the 11-hour session on September 19, saying the exercise was essential to ensure preparedness once the proposed budget is defended before the Senate plenary.

“Well, ako ang magde-defend ng budget sa Senate floor so kailangan ko malaman yung puno’t dulo. Twenty-three na senador yan, makukulit yan, maraming katanungan so we really have to be sure na handa tayo,” Pangilinan told reporters after the briefing. “Kaya tayo nagbabad, it’s my obligation, my duty to really know the issues so that I can defend it.”

The senator noted that his priority measures align with those of DA Secretary Kiko, saying both share the same vision for the sector. In return, the agriculture chief expressed support for Pangilinan’s legislative agenda, emphasizing their joint goal of advancing the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk.

Pangilinan acknowledged the challenges confronting the industry but expressed confidence these could be addressed through unity and collective effort.

“Mabigat ang mga challenges pero walang hindi kayang lampasan kung nagtutulungan at nagkakaisa,” he said. “Ayusin natin ang hanay ng agrikultura.”

A long-time advocate for agriculture, Pangilinan reiterated that investing in farmers and fisherfolk is vital to ensuring affordable and nutritious food for all Filipinos.

“Lahat tayo gusto natin mababa ang presyo ng pagkain, lahat tayo gusto natin masustansyang pagkain—lahat yan depende sa agrikultura at mangingisda. Kaya yan ang dapat tutukan ng husto,” he said.