MANILA — Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan underscored the importance of organic agriculture as a key public health strategy, saying naturally grown produce helps reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and promotes healthier communities.

Speaking at the 7th PH Natural & Organic Products Expo (PNOPEX) and the 11th Organic Agriculture Month kick-off, Pangilinan reaffirmed his call to strengthen organic farming as a science-based and people-centered approach that benefits both farmers and consumers.

“Nandun na rin yung sustansya, yung bitamina, yung minerals, at siyempre yung enzymes ng matamis-tamis na lasa. Alam natin, ang organic hindi lang masustansya, mas masarap pa,” Pangilinan said.

A long-time organic farmer himself, Pangilinan shared that his experience managing a learning site in Cavite shaped his belief that healthy soil and chemical-free produce directly improve the well-being of families and communities.

“Para masiguro ko ang kalusugan ng aking mga anak – nagsimula akong mag organic vegetable farming,” he said.

The senator, who authored the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, emphasized that organic farming improves health outcomes and enhances farmers’ livelihoods by reducing production costs and increasing market value.

He also highlighted the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), a community-based certification process under the law, which allows small farmers to access local markets without the expense of third-party certification.

“Pag sobrang kemikal ang ginagamit na pestisido at fertilizer, patay ang lupa. At pag patay na ang lupa, apektado ang buong ecosystem,” Pangilinan warned, stressing the need to protect agricultural soil and ecosystems.

Pangilinan urged both national and local governments to expand support systems, invest in farmer training, and institutionalize programs that make organic farming more accessible and sustainable.

“Bisitahin natin ang ating organic farms and let us know how we can continue to support ang sektor ng high-value crops ng ating bansa,” he added.