By Nimfa Estrellado Former Senator Pangilinan recently joined forces with Mayor Calayag to support Dolores, Quezon, farmers through the Sagi...
 |
| Former Senator Pangilinan recently joined forces with Mayor Calayag to support Dolores, Quezon, farmers through the Sagip Saka Act. (UNLAD Dolores) |
DOLORES, Quezon - Former Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan recently visited the municipality of Dolores to show his support for the local farming community. Pangilinan, a known advocate for agricultural development, spent the day interacting with local farmers and discussing ways to further strengthen the agricultural sector in Dolores. He also took the opportunity to assess the impact of the Sagip Saka Act of 2019, legislation he authored during his time in the Senate.
He was warmly welcomed by Mayor Orlan A. Calayag and Vice Mayor Renato "Doc Jon" Alilio Jr. "We are honored to welcome Former Senator Pangilinan to Dolores," said Mayor Calayag. "His dedication to the farming community is truly inspiring, and his visit demonstrates a strong commitment to collaborating with local governments to support our farmers."
Calayag added, "We are particularly grateful for his work on the Sagip Saka Act, which has significantly benefited our farmers here in Dolores. It has provided crucial support and opportunities for our farmers to thrive and contribute to our local economy."
The Sagip Saka Act, authored by Pangilinan in 2019, aims to empower farmers and fisherfolk by creating an enabling environment for enterprise development, according to the former senator. This includes providing access to credit, training, and market support, ultimately helping them increase their income and improve their livelihoods. The Act has been instrumental in promoting agricultural growth and ensuring food security in the Philippines.
Pangilinan explained that the Sagip Saka Act is designed to address the systemic challenges faced by Filipino farmers and fisherfolk, such as limited access to financing, lack of market information, and inadequate infrastructure. The Act seeks to transform the agricultural sector into a more modern and sustainable industry through comprehensive support and the promotion of entrepreneurship.
"We believe that empowering our farmers and fisherfolk is key to achieving food security and economic growth," Pangilinan stated. "The Sagip Saka Act provides a framework for collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and local communities to ensure that our agricultural producers have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed."
The local chief executive welcomes the idea as the act promotes sustainable modern agriculture and food security practices aimed at farmers and fisherfolk through public-private partnerships, such as local cooperatives, in order to improve their quality of life, thereby leading to more quality produce in the long-term.
Pangilinan underscored that "while we support the farmers, we are also able to help boost the local economy. By investing in agriculture and empowering our farmers, we create a ripple effect that benefits the entire community. This includes creating more jobs, supporting local businesses, and ensuring a stable food supply for all."
Pangilinan began his visit with a stop at the Parish and National Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows before proceeding to the Events Center where he met with local farmers. He engaged in discussions about the challenges they face and listened to their feedback on the implementation of the Sagip Saka Act. He expressed his admiration for their hard work and dedication to ensuring food security.
Mayor Calayag also highlighted the positive impact of the Sagip Saka Act on the municipality. "Since the implementation of the program, we have seen a significant increase in agricultural production and farmer incomes," he stated. "The access to credit and market linkages provided by Sagip Saka has been crucial in empowering our farmers and boosting our local economy."
The former senator also engaged with department heads, local government employees, and barangay captains, discussing strategies for enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable farming practices. He highlighted the importance of government support in providing farmers with access to resources, technology, and market opportunities.
"The farmers of Dolores are vital to the growth and prosperity of this community," Pangilinan emphasized. "I am committed to working with them and the local government to ensure they have the tools and support they need to thrive."
Pangilinan's visit demonstrated the tangible benefits that the Sagip Saka Act brings to farmers. The Act helps improve their livelihoods, increase productivity, and contribute to a more robust agricultural sector in the Philippines through the provision of necessary support and opportunities.
No comments