Senator Pangilinan urges swift release of funds to support food sector

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan is calling for the immediate mobilization of government funds and resources to support agriculture and food security programs.

Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, he is also advocating for stronger collaboration with the private sector to reinforce local food systems.

During a Senate Committee hearing on April 8, Senator Pangilinan warned that the conflict could disrupt global supply chains, leading to higher food prices and limited access to essential imports like fuel and fertilizer.

He has requested updates from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Finance (DOF), and Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD) regarding the use of 2026 General Appropriations Act funds and disaster funds to address rising input costs.

The key proposed interventions include:

• Funding mobilization: Utilizing unobligated 2025 appropriations and 2026 allocations to provide timely assistance to farmers and fisherfolk;

• Subsidies: Providing targeted fuel and fertilizer subsidies to mitigate production costs.

• Private Sector Partnership: Strengthening the food value chain to improve market access and distribution.

• Direct procurement: Full implementation of the Sagip Saka Act to allow government agencies like the DSWD to procure food directly from local producers.

The DA, for its part, said it is studying several funding options for subsidies and cash aid.

These include ₱8 billion in unobligated continuing appropriations from its 2025 budget and ₱10 billion in unreleased farm-to-market road funds under the Department of Public Works and Highways’ 2025 budget.

It is also exploring allocations under the 2026 budget, including ₱16 billion earmarked for fertilizer, ₱1 billion in energy savings, and ₱2 billion under the basic research program.

The agency is likewise reviewing the possible realignment of up to 20 percent, or about ₱33 billion, from the ₱165-billion budget of the Office of the Secretary, subject to existing laws and regulations.

Separate reports indicated that cash aid may come from the ₱10-billion Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk under the 2026 GAA, while fuel subsidies could be sourced from the ₱150-million Fuel Subsidy Program under the DA’s 2025 continuing appropriations.

The Senator emphasized that a holistic approach involving manufacturers, food producers, and government agencies is essential to preventing a food shock and ensuring resources reach the agricultural sector without delay.

“We are taking a holistic approach to addressing a possible food shock—bringing together manufacturers, food producers, and all those involved in agriculture, industry, and fisheries production, because all are part of the value chain,” he said.

He cited his experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he coordinated efforts to purchase produce directly from farmers and distribute these through community pantry networks.

“I did this in my private capacity, not as a senator—purchasing directly from farmers and delivering the goods through existing networks; a similar setup could be adopted moving forward,” he recalled.

-Paraluman News