Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform Chairman Senator Kiko Pangilinan is advocating for the strengthening and expansion of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) extension services to directly reach farmers in the provinces.
According to the senator, the DA currently has only regional offices, making it difficult for farmers to access adequate support for their crops. “Ang extension service ay mali at pag hindi nakaugnay yung DA sa lupa, parang tanim (na) hindi tutubo. Kailangan nakatutuok,” Pangilinan stated. He emphasized the need to enhance extension service programs, suggesting that they should be available at least at the provincial level.
The senator also visited Los Baños for discussions with a local farmers’ cooperative, where he reiterated the importance of expanding DA extension services in the provinces.
In addition to organizing efforts, Pangilinan urged cooperatives to engage with their local leaders to encourage them to connect with mayors in Manila who may be interested in purchasing their produce directly.
Under the Sagip Saka Act, passed in 2019, national and local governments are allowed to buy directly from farmers and fishermen without going through a public bidding process.
