Francis Pangilinan's 'Hello Pagkain, Goodbye Gutom' rally for hunger crises

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Pangilinan speaks at Southern Luzon State University, connecting the escalating cost of rice to increasing poverty in...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Pangilinan speaks at Southern Luzon State University, connecting the escalating cost of rice to increasing poverty in the Philippines. (Kiko Pangilinan)

TIAONG, Quezon – After a flight marked by three emergency landings due to severe weather, former Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan delivered a passionate address at Southern Luzon State University in Tiaong, Quezon, on Monday, March 31, 2025 drawing a direct link between the nation’s rising rice prices and the escalating poverty levels.

“Humihingi tayo ng paumanhin sa pagkaantala. Nagmula kami sa Naga, at dahil sa masamang panahon, dalawang beses kaming nag-emergency landing. Mas mabuti nang nahuli kaysa hindi makarating,” Pangilinan said, acknowledging the challenging travel conditions that included near-zero visibility and strong winds.



The Philippines has witnessed a notable surge in food insecurity in recent months, with the increasing cost of rice being identified as a significant contributing factor. Official government data indicates rice prices have risen by an average of 15% nationwide in the last six months alone.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the average price of rice has increased by over 20% in the last year, significantly outpacing the national inflation rate. This has directly contributed to increased poverty rates, impacting the most vulnerable sectors of society as families struggle to afford basic necessities, leading to increased hunger and malnutrition.

“Nitong nakaraang buwan, pinakamataas na bilang ng nagugutom muli simula 2020. Bakit? Dahil mataas ang presyo ng bigas at pagkain. Ang ating simulain noon, 'Hello Pagkain, Goodbye Gutom.' Hindi ba?” he challenged, highlighting the nation's growing food insecurity.

"Paano natin masisiguro ang ating pagkain kung ang mga food producers natin ay nananatiling kapos at gutom? We cannot secure our food and we cannot have affordable food on the table unless we secure our farmers and our fisherfolk." he added.

Pangilinan cited the Sagip Saka Act, which he championed, as a crucial step towards stabilizing rice prices and supporting farmers. Ensuring a more direct route to market, the act intends to provide farmers and fisherfolk with fairer compensation for their produce.

This, in turn, is expected to benefit consumers by stabilizing market prices. The act aims to eliminate the role of intermediaries, often seen as contributing to price inflation and reducing the profitability of agricultural producers.

His dedication to the agricultural sector is rooted in his legislative and executive experience, notably his tenure as Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Assistant, where he enacted policies to stabilize food prices and improve farmer livelihoods.

Beyond the immediate issue of rice prices, Pangilinan's address governance and social justice, arguing that economic hardship is often exacerbated by systemic issues within the government, such as corruption and a lack of transparency.

These are seen as crucial elements for long-term progress and stability in the country. This vision is being carried forward through the "KiBam" coalition, a partnership with Bam Aquino, which emphasizes a grassroots approach to engaging with communities across the nation.