PH Senate approves two key bills to boost agriculture, fisheries sectors

The Senate on Tuesday passed on third and final reading two key agricultural measures designed to empower local farmers and fisherfolk through expanded cooperative support and modernized extension services.

Passed by the chamber were Senate Bill No. 1990 (the proposed Agricultural Cooperatives Act) and Senate Bill No. 1991 (the proposed Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Act).

Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, sponsor of both measures, highlighted their role in bolstering farm productivity, fortifying the national food supply chain, and reducing food prices for consumers.

"When harvests and catches are bountiful, our dining tables become plentiful, Filipino families enjoy greater well-being, and our society becomes more prosperous, stable, and just for all," Pangilinan said in Filipino.

Strengthening Cooperatives

Under SB 1990, agricultural and fisheries cooperatives will gain expanded access to financing, post-harvest facilities, processing equipment, cold storage, transportation, and market networks. The bill also introduces tax incentives and mandates preferential support from state-owned financial institutions.

Pangilinan stressed that consolidating small-scale producers into cooperatives improves market competitiveness while keeping profits within local agrarian communities.

"Instead of acting individually, our farmers and fisherfolk gain strength as an organization," he noted. "Unite them, and they are better equipped to compete in the market, ensuring a larger share of the profits stays where it belongs—in their communities."

Reclaiming Extension Services

Meanwhile, SB 1991 seeks to revitalize the National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System by re-establishing Department of Agriculture (DA) oversight over extension services, ensuring direct technical assistance reaches municipal and barangay levels.

The measure focuses on deploying science-based farming technologies, climate-resilient production practices, updated research, and practical field training to local producers.

"When our food producers have access to proper training and knowledge, yields increase, production costs drop, and their livelihoods grow," Pangilinan added.

-Paraluman News