Former senator and senatorial hopeful Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan stressed the need for stronger government funding in agriculture to make the P20-per-kilo rice initiative truly viable in the long run.
Speaking in Sunstar Davao report, Pangilinan said the launch of P20 rice in Visayas is a welcome development but emphasized that lasting impact will only be possible if more capital flows into the sector. He pushed for investments in harvest facilities, farming equipment, and comprehensive insurance programs for farmers and fishers.
He pointed out that countries like Vietnam and Thailand invest up to three times more in their agriculture sectors than the Philippines. “If it were up to me, we should increase the agri budget by P100 to P200 billion annually for six years to modernize the industry,” he said.
The Department of Agriculture’s P20 rice program is a fulfillment of a campaign promise by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Pangilinan also expressed gratitude for the endorsement of Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, calling it a timely boost to his Senate bid, especially with the race tightening for the final three slots in the Top 12.
“It’s a big help because Negros Occidental is a vote-rich province,” Lacson added, noting his support for Pangilinan stems from shared priorities in food security and agri-fisheries modernization.
