Pangilinan bats for food security

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ORMOC CITY — Former senator Francis Pangilinan is putting food security at the forefront of his comeback bid in the Senate, unveiling a legislative agenda focused on addressing hunger, supporting farmers, and promoting urban farming.

During his visit to Cebu City on Thursday morning, Pangilinan outlined several proposals aimed at ensuring affordable, safe, and sufficient food for all Filipinos.

He said that hunger is a nonpartisan issue, affecting every Filipino household, and described his proposed "food revolution" as a nationwide effort to tackle this critical issue.

Pangilinan's plans include the Batas sa Murang Pagkain Act, which seeks to lower the prices of basic commodities through a national food buffer stock, along with subsidies for production and distribution.

The Food Sovereignty and Farmers' Protection Act would protect local food producers by curbing excessive importation, setting up a trust fund for farmers and fisherfolk, and cracking down on smuggling and hoarding by cartels.

He also aims to introduce the Expanded Feeding Program for Public Schools Act to eliminate child hunger through school-based feeding programs that source food directly from local producers.

The Urban and Community Farming Act seeks to encourage household and community-based agriculture by offering training, seed grants, and incentives for rooftop and backyard farming.

Pangilinan also intends to convert idle public land into productive farms and promote high-density farming techniques like hydroponics and vertical farming.

His advocacy for food security is bolstered by his past achievements as food security secretary under President Benigno Aquino III, where he helped reduce rice prices and inflation.

He also authored the Sagip Saka Act, which allowed the government to buy produce directly from farmers, ensuring better income for local agricultural workers.

Local officials

Pangilinan's platform has earned the support of local politicians, including Cebu 3rd District Rep. Pablo John Garcia, who is the brother of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia. Also present was Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera, who also confirmed his endorsement of Pangilinan's candidacy.

Garcia, a longtime friend and law school classmate, praised Pangilinan's principled approach, while Garganera emphasized their shared history and commitment to public service.

In addition to his food security focus, Pangilinan introduced the "Libreng Almusal" Bill, which would provide free breakfast for students from kindergarten to Grade 12.

He pointed to data showing that schools with meal programs have lower dropout rates and improved academic performance, further stressing the importance of addressing hunger for the benefit of students' learning.

Same-sex unions

Pangilinan also reiterated his support for civil unions for same-sex couples, advocating for equal rights under the law.

While marriage involves both religious and civil aspects, he emphasized that the law should guarantee equal rights regardless of sexual orientation.