PH task force on food security formed amid Middle East conflict — Senator Pangilinan

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan has announced that the AGRI-AGRA Team—comprising the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and key legislators—has formed a dedicated task force to address the impact of the Middle East crisis on national food security and the economy.

Following a meeting on March 31, Senator Pangilinan highlighted that the group will monitor market stability and provide necessary assistance to the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

Pangilinan, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, has been working closely with the team to advance his legislative and policy priorities. T

hese include long-term, sustainable strategies designed to shield the country’s food system—from producers to households—from the effects of global disruptions.

With fuel accounting for up to 80% of fisheries production expenses and driving up the price of fertilizers and animal feeds, the Senator emphasized the need for direct support for food producers and consumers.

“Nagpulong ang Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, mga kongresista, at ang Senado sa agriculture, fisheries, at agrarian reform para magkaroon ng task force na pagtutulungan natin i-monitor, bumuo ng isang ad hoc committee, crisis committee, and AGRI-AGRA Team para bantayan itong magiging tulong, suporta, ayuda, assistance, sa ating food security concerns,” Pangilinan said after his meeting with the AGRI-AGRA Team on Tuesday, March 31.

To support these efforts, a "bayanihan-type" supplemental budget is being proposed to mitigate rising costs.

“Lahat yan ibig sabihin ay may direktang epekto sa pagtaas ng presyo ng pagkain. So, paano masususportahan ang ating food producers? Paano masusuportahan yung magsasaka, mangingisda, jeepney drayber, at iba pang sektor na apektado dahil nga dito?,” he asked. “Sa pamamagitan ng dagdag na budget ay magagawa natin yan.”

This budget would follow the model of emergency spending measures enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing for quicker and more flexible fund allocation. It would include additional interventions aimed at easing the burden on Filipinos.

The team also reviewed the status of essential commodities like rice, sugar, and livestock while warning against profiteering.

Aside from the task force, Senator Pangilinan continues to advocate for expanded fuel subsidies, the suspension of fuel excise taxes, and the establishment of the Congressional Commission on Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Security (AGRICOM).