MANILA – Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan met with farmers’ cooperatives in Benguet to hear their concerns on production challenges and reaffirm his push for agriculture reforms and stronger support for Filipino farmers.

The senator engaged with vegetable growers and agricultural workers in the province during a dialogue on Wednesday, May 13, where issues such as rising production costs, unstable farmgate prices, weak farm-to-market infrastructure, and limited government assistance were raised.

Pangilinan said he remains committed to pushing key measures aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector despite recent changes in Senate leadership.

“Kaya napakahalaga na maipasa itong renatinalization ng ating agriculture extension services at yung reestablishment ng Bureau of Agriculture Cooperatives and Fisheries sa ilalim ng DA (Department of Agriculture). Ito ang talagang kinakailangan ng ating mga magsasaka at mga kooperatiba,” he said.

He added that his experience in organizing farmers in Alfonso, Cavite helped shape his understanding of the sector’s needs.

“Naranasan ko mismo yan noong sinubukan kong i-organisa ang mga farmers sa Alfonso, Cavite. Naroon yung aking farm. Naging learning site yon para sa training, laboratory, at kung ano-ano pa,” he added.

However, Pangilinan said that efforts to organize farmers into cooperatives often face constraints due to insufficient government support and a lack of trained agricultural extension workers.

Farmers in Benguet also raised concerns over distribution challenges, noting that while there is no reported oversupply of produce, they struggle to access markets and logistics support to transport goods.

The group also cited high fuel prices as an added burden affecting both farmers and fisherfolk.

Pangilinan emphasized the importance of Benguet as a key supplier of highland vegetables, underscoring its role in ensuring national food security.

He also assured the farmers that their concerns would be elevated at the national level despite ongoing political developments in the Senate, including changes in committee leadership.

The meeting is part of Pangilinan’s continuing consultations with agricultural communities nationwide aimed at advancing reforms and improving livelihoods in the sector.