Pagamutan Hindi Piitan! Lee Seeks Probe To Stop Palit-Ulo In Hospitals
April 7, 2024 Pagamutan Hindi Piitan! Lee Seeks Probe To Stop Palit-Ulo In Hospitals AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee has filed a measure which seeks to probe the alleged hospital detention of relatives of the deceased patients as well as the refusal to release death certificates and other relevant medical documents due to unsettled bills of the patient, forcing those involved to find another person to replace them in the hospital before they are allowed to leave its premises—a scheme known as “palit-ulo”. Lee filed House Resolution No. 1674 after the reported complaints against ACE (Allied Care Experts) Medical Center, which allegedly held in detention the relatives of deceased patients and refused to provide death certificate, unless replaced by another person or until their hospital dues were settled. “Pinupuntahan ang mga hospital para ipagamot, hindi para ikulong, ang mga pasyente at mga kaanak nila. Demonyo ang gumagawa ng krimeng ito; sila na dumadagdag pa sa pasanin at pagdurusa ng mga pasyente at kanilang pamilya,” he asked. “Eh kung sila kaya ang ikulong, habang nangangamba sa kalusugan ng kaanak, o habang nagluluksa sa pagkamatay ng kapamilya?” “Pagamutan, hindi piitan. Pakikipagkapwa-tao, hindi negosyo. Malasakit at hindi pasakit sana ang pairalin ng ating mga ospital,” Lee stated. In the said Resolution, Lee recounted the experiences of reported “palit-ulo” victims in the said hospital, such as Richel Mae Alvaro who was barred from leaving its premises due to her husband’s unsettled bill. Alvaro was still under illegal detention even after the remains of her husband were already taken out of the hospital. Lovery Magtangob, on the other hand, was allegedly asked to stay at the Office of Safety Officer while waiting for her brother to settle the bill of their relative. Magtangob said she was released only after paying a partial payment of their unsettled bill. According to the Bicolano lawmaker, hospitals that practice “palit-ulo” scheme are criminally liable for Serious Illegal Detention and Slight Illegal Detention under the Revised Penal Code. “Acquiring unsettled hospital bills is not a criminal offense under our laws, and the same is also not an ailment requiring compulsory confinement of the patient in a hospital. Kaya tigilan na itong kawalanghiyaan, karumal-dumal, at ilegal na gawaing ito!” Lee said. Through HR 1674, Lee underscored the importance of identifying any loopholes in the existing policies regarding the rights of patients, their relatives, and visitors, and the rights of hospitals and medical clinics over unsettled bills of patients, as well as exacting accountability to those who are involved in the illegal detention. The solon also pointed out that the “palit-ulo” scheme is proof that there is an alarming gap and perennial problems in our healthcare system that needs to be addressed with appropriate measures. “Hindi na nga po nakapagtataka kung bakit pangunahin sa mga pangamba ng ating mga kababayan ang pagkakasakit, kung saan marami ang namamatay nang hindi man lang nakapagpapatingin sa doktor o ospital; o pinipili na lang maratay sa bahay sa kabila ng mabigat na karamdaman,” Lee said. “Lahat tayo, may karapatang mabuhay. Mayaman man o mahirap, dapat pinagkakalooban ng estado ng de-kalidad, abot-kaya, at may pusong serbisyong pangkalusugan. Nasaan ang hustisya kung sa kagustuhan mong magpagamot at mabuhay, ikukulong ka pa o ang iyong mga kapamilya?” he lamented. Lee, a staunch health advocate, persistently pushed for the 30% increase in Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) benefits which took effect on February 14. The solon also advocated for unlimited coverage for dialysis, cancer treatment, heart bypass surgery, and other diagnostic tests and preventive measures, as well as the effective implementation of the No Balance Billing policy so that patients and their families won’t be burdened by high medical expenses. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Logged in as admin_wilbertleeagriadvocacy. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Latest Post 20 Sep 2024 Among Preferred Senatorables In Latest Octa Survey Lee Joins Aksyon Demokratiko Of Fellow Bicolano Raul Roco 19 Sep 2024 Amid Port Congestion Delaying Low Rice Prices Lee Urges BOC, PPA To Boost Ports Manpower To Expedite Unloading Of Rice Shipments 12 Sep 2024 Lee Awaits Signing Of Economic Sabotage Law Amid Surge In Agricultural Smuggling Categories Advocay Legislation Support Share on Social Media Advocacy, Support April 7, 2024 Hot News Among Preferred Senatorables In Latest Octa Survey Lee Joins Aksyon Demokratiko Of Fellow Bicolano Raul Roco Amid Port Congestion Delaying Low Rice Prices Lee Urges BOC, PPA To Boost Ports Manpower To Expedite Unloading Of Rice Shipments Lee Awaits Signing Of Economic Sabotage Law Amid Surge In Agricultural Smuggling Lee Calls For More Support For Coco Farmers, Fast-Track Release Of Livelihood And Health Benefits Oil Spill Accountability And Relief Lee Visits Bataan Oil Spill Ground Zero; Urges Govt To Fast-Track Assistance, Go After Those Accountable Oil Spill Accountability And Relief All Hands On Deck! Lee Urges DA To Tap HPG, PPA To Man ASF Checkpoints Along Highways, Seaports Lee Welcomes NFA’s Higher Palay Buying Price, Bats For Cheaper Rice Act Lawmakers Unite Behind Lee’s Call To Increase DA Budget To Lower Food Prices Passage Of Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act To Bring Down Food Prices – Lee Lee Determined To Increase Agri Budget
Lee To DA: Help Reduce Diabetes In PH By Mainstreaming Low-GI, High-Protein Rice
April 5, 2024 Lee To DA: Help Reduce Diabetes In PH By Mainstreaming Low-GI, High-Protein Rice AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to partner with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to hasten the release of ultra-low glycemic index (GI) and protein-rich variety of rice to Filipino farmers. Lee said mainstreaming the production of this variety of rice would greatly aid in the reduction of diabetes mellitus cases in the country. “Hindi naman po kaila sa atin na ang Pilipinas ay isa sa mga nangungunang consumer ng bigas sa buong mundo. At dahil tila permanenteng parte na ng ating pagkain ang kanin, hindi maikakaila ang koneksyon nito sa dami ng may diabetes sa bansa,” he said. Based on the latest data from the International Diabetes Federation of which the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism is a member, out of a total adult population of 66,754,400 in the Philippines in 2021, there were a total of 4,303,899 cases of diabetes recorded, equivalent to 6.44 percent. Further, in 2023, deaths in the Philippines due to diabetes mellitus were recorded at 14,416 cases, or 6.2 percent share, making it the fourth leading cause of death in the country. The IRRI aims to introduce the ultra-low GI, high protein rice variety by 2025. The research institute said the multi-location trial for this has already been started in more than 10 provinces nationwide. Glycemic index is a ranking of carbohydrate-containing foods based on how slowly or quickly they are digested and increase blood glucose levels, with pure sugar having a score of 100. The IRRI said it expects more rice farmers to cultivate this variety once the trials determine the target market. According to IRRI scientists, the price of ultra-low GI, high protein rice will be the same as the normal rice available in the markets. According to Lee, the DA can certainly find ways to expedite and expand the trials, saying that “kapag napabilis natin ang pag-distribute ng variety ng bigas na ito sa ating mga magsasaka, mas mapapabilis din ang pagma-mainstream nito sa merkado. “ “Kapag mas may access at nagawa pa nating mas abot-kaya sa Pilipino ang ganitong klase ng bigas, mas marami ang matutulungan nating makaiwas o mabawasan ang alalahanin sa mga chronic disease tulad ng diabetes at kaugnay nitong mga sakit.” “Dahil sinasabi rin ng mga eksperto na mas mabilis tayong makakaramdam ng pagkabusog sa bigas na ito, mas kaunti rin ang ikokonsumo natin. Bawas na sa pangamba sa sakit, bawas pa sa gastos. Winner Tayo Lahat sa bagong uri at mas healthy na bigas na ito,” he added. Lee, a staunch health advocate, persistently pushed for the 30% increase in Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) benefits which took effect on February 14. The solon also urged PhilHealth to provide unlimited coverage for cancer treatment, heart bypass surgery, and other diagnostic tests and preventive measures, as well as the effective implementation of the No Balance Billing policy to lessen the out-of-pocket medical expenses of patients and their families. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Logged in as admin_wilbertleeagriadvocacy. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Latest Post 20 Sep 2024 Among Preferred Senatorables In Latest Octa Survey Lee Joins Aksyon Demokratiko Of Fellow Bicolano Raul Roco 19 Sep 2024 Amid Port Congestion Delaying Low Rice Prices Lee Urges BOC, PPA To Boost Ports Manpower To Expedite Unloading Of Rice Shipments 12 Sep 2024 Lee Awaits Signing Of Economic Sabotage Law Amid Surge In Agricultural Smuggling Categories Advocay Legislation Support Share on Social Media Advocacy, Support April 5, 2024 Hot News Among Preferred Senatorables In Latest Octa Survey Lee Joins Aksyon Demokratiko Of Fellow Bicolano Raul Roco Amid Port Congestion Delaying Low Rice Prices Lee Urges BOC, PPA To Boost Ports Manpower To Expedite Unloading Of Rice Shipments Lee Awaits Signing Of Economic Sabotage Law Amid Surge In Agricultural Smuggling Lee Calls For More Support For Coco Farmers, Fast-Track Release Of Livelihood And Health Benefits Oil Spill Accountability And Relief Lee Visits Bataan Oil Spill Ground Zero; Urges Govt To Fast-Track Assistance, Go After Those Accountable Oil Spill Accountability And Relief All Hands On Deck! Lee Urges DA To Tap HPG, PPA To Man ASF Checkpoints Along Highways, Seaports Lee Welcomes NFA’s Higher Palay Buying Price, Bats For Cheaper Rice Act Lawmakers Unite Behind Lee’s Call To Increase DA Budget To Lower Food Prices Passage Of Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act To Bring Down Food Prices – Lee Lee Determined To Increase Agri Budget
Lee Lauds High RCEF Utilization, Asks PhilMech To Provide More Post-Harvest Equipment
March 12, 2024 Lee Lauds High RCEF Utilization, Asks PhilMech To Provide More Post-Harvest Equipment AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee lauded the high utilization rate of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund’s (RCEF) Mechanization Program. “Nakakatuwa na sa wakas ay nama-maximize na ang paggamit sa pondong para naman talaga sa ating mga magsasaka,” Lee said. The Bicolano lawmaker was reacting to the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization’s (PhilMech) report of a 91.6 percent delivery rate for the machines procured under the RCEF. “Ang pera ng taumbayan, dapat gamitin para sa kapakinabangan ng taumbayan. Kaya nagpapasalamat tayo sa pakikipagtulungan ng PhilMech, sa pamumuno ni Dir. Dionisio Alvindia, para pagaanin ang pasanin ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda na itinuturing nating food security soldiers,” Lee said. “Sa pag-iikot natin, itong farm equipment and mechanization ang talagang pinakahinihintay nila para mapataas ang kanilang produksyon at kita, na magagamit nila pantustos sa iba pa nilang mga bayarin, lalo na sa panahon ng emergency o pagkakasakit,” he added. Data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) revealed that the RCEF’s utilization in 2019 was a mere 36.54 percent. It improved to 86.45 percent in 2020, but slipped to 80 percent in 2021 and further declined to 76.16 percent in 2022. The PhilMech attributed the RCEF’s low utilization levels to delays in the initial disbursements. The agency said it has already obligated ₱24.9 billion for the procurement of agricultural equipment and has distributed 28,817 pieces of farm equipment including 14,713 land preparation machines; 4,284 crop establishment technologies; 8,210 harvesting and threshing equipment; 768 drying technologies, and 842 milling equipment. “Matagal na nating sinasabi na ang susi sa food security ng bansa at para maging Winner Tayo Lahat ay ang pagkakaroon ng mga karagdagang post-harvest facilities tulad ng cold storages, dryers, at transport facilities,” Lee stressed. “Bukod sa dagdagan, panawagan din natin sa PhilMech na pabilisin pa ang pamimigay ng post-harvest equipment. Dapat simplehan at iklian lang ang mga requirements na hinihingi ng gobyerno mula sa mga magsasaka at kooperatiba.” “Naghain din tayo ng House Resolution No. 1636 para tukuyin at suriin ang mga naging hamon at problema sa RCEF, at nang mas mapabuti pa ang implementasyon nito sa isusulong natin na pagpapalawig ng programa,” the solon added. The RCEF is a six-year allocation of ₱10 billion anually starting 2019, granted under Republic Act No. 11203 or the “Rice Tariffication Law.” It is meant to improve rice farmers’ competitiveness amid the liberalized rice trade policy. PhilMech is the implementing agency for the RCEF’s farm mechanization component. The program gets ₱5 billion of the annual RCEF. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Logged in as admin_wilbertleeagriadvocacy. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Latest Post 20 Sep 2024 Among Preferred Senatorables In Latest Octa Survey Lee Joins Aksyon Demokratiko Of Fellow Bicolano Raul Roco 19 Sep 2024 Amid Port Congestion Delaying Low Rice Prices Lee Urges BOC, PPA To Boost Ports Manpower To Expedite Unloading Of Rice Shipments 12 Sep 2024 Lee Awaits Signing Of Economic Sabotage Law Amid Surge In Agricultural Smuggling Categories Advocay Legislation Support Share on Social Media Advocacy March 12, 2024 Hot News Among Preferred Senatorables In Latest Octa Survey Lee Joins Aksyon Demokratiko Of Fellow Bicolano Raul Roco Amid Port Congestion Delaying Low Rice Prices Lee Urges BOC, PPA To Boost Ports Manpower To Expedite Unloading Of Rice Shipments Lee Awaits Signing Of Economic Sabotage Law Amid Surge In Agricultural Smuggling Lee Calls For More Support For Coco Farmers, Fast-Track Release Of Livelihood And Health Benefits Oil Spill Accountability And Relief Lee Visits Bataan Oil Spill Ground Zero; Urges Govt To Fast-Track Assistance, Go After Those Accountable Oil Spill Accountability And Relief All Hands On Deck! Lee Urges DA To Tap HPG, PPA To Man ASF Checkpoints Along Highways, Seaports Lee Welcomes NFA’s Higher Palay Buying Price, Bats For Cheaper Rice Act Lawmakers Unite Behind Lee’s Call To Increase DA Budget To Lower Food Prices Passage Of Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act To Bring Down Food Prices – Lee Lee Determined To Increase Agri Budget
Cleanse NFA Of Corrupt Officials, Lee Urges PBBM
March 6, 2024 Cleanse NFA Of Corrupt Officials, Lee Urges PBBM AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee on Wednesday urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. to purge corrupt officials and employees of the National Food Authority (NFA) in order to restore public trust in the agency. Lee issued the call after NFA Administrator Roderico Bioco and 138 other NFA officials and employees were suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman for their alleged involvement in the anomalous sale of the government’s rice buffer stocks. “Malaking kasalanan ang paglustay sa supply ng bigas, lalo pa napakamahal ng presyo ng pagkain at mga pangunahing bilihin ngayon,” Lee said. “In order to restore the trust of the public in the NFA, there needs to be a revamp and the first step to that is to remove all officials involved in anomalies,” he added. The Ombudsman found “sufficient grounds” to suspend Bioco and the others saying there was “strong evidence showing their guilt.” Amid the alleged anomalous sale of rice reserves, the Bicolano lawmaker filed House Resolution No. 1625 to probe the current policies of the NFA and its implementation regarding the optimal utilization of their goods and proper disposal methods. According to Lee, “There is a need to identify any gaps or loopholes in the existing policies of NFA. Kailangang linawin ang mga polisiya, tuldukan ang mga kalakaran na ugat ng katiwalian, at panagutin ang mga corrupt na dumadagdag lang sa pasanin ng taumbayan.” “Sa panahon na hirap ang ating mga magsasaka sa ani dahil sa epekto ng El Niño, kailangan natin ng mamumuno sa NFA na walang bahid ng korapsyon. Kung maayos lang sana ang pamahahala ng buffer stock ng bigas, mababawasan ang pag-angkat natin nito,” the solon said. For the past several years, the Philippines has been resorting to imports to augment the rice supply in the local market. During a recent bilateral meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, President Marcos said the Philippines wants to engage Cambodia in trade in agriculture, specifically rice. The country is also considering Cambodia as a rice supplier amid the El Niño dry spell. “Upang maayos ang supply ng mga pangunahing pagkain, kailangan natin ng maaasahan na magsusulong ng interes ng publiko at hindi pansariling interes. Kailangan natin ng mga lider na tapat na maglilingkod at magtatrabaho para maging Winner Tayo Lahat,” Lee stressed. “Ang dapat na tutok natin ay kung paano mababawasan ang pangamba ng ating mga kababayan pagdating sa kanilang kabuhayan, kita, pagkain, at lalong-lalo na sa kalusugan, hindi yung ang mga nasa gobyerno pa ang dahilan ng pagbigat ng kalbaryo ng mga Pilipino,” he added. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Logged in as admin_wilbertleeagriadvocacy. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Latest Post 20 Sep 2024 Among Preferred Senatorables In Latest Octa Survey Lee Joins Aksyon Demokratiko Of Fellow Bicolano Raul Roco 19 Sep 2024 Amid Port Congestion Delaying Low Rice Prices Lee Urges BOC, PPA To Boost Ports Manpower To Expedite Unloading Of Rice Shipments 12 Sep 2024 Lee Awaits Signing Of Economic Sabotage Law Amid Surge In Agricultural Smuggling Categories Advocay Legislation Support Share on Social Media Advocacy March 6, 2024 Hot News Among Preferred Senatorables In Latest Octa Survey Lee Joins Aksyon Demokratiko Of Fellow Bicolano Raul Roco Amid Port Congestion Delaying Low Rice Prices Lee Urges BOC, PPA To Boost Ports Manpower To Expedite Unloading Of Rice Shipments Lee Awaits Signing Of Economic Sabotage Law Amid Surge In Agricultural Smuggling Lee Calls For More Support For Coco Farmers, Fast-Track Release Of Livelihood And Health Benefits Oil Spill Accountability And Relief Lee Visits Bataan Oil Spill Ground Zero; Urges Govt To Fast-Track Assistance, Go After Those Accountable Oil Spill Accountability And Relief All Hands On Deck! Lee Urges DA To Tap HPG, PPA To Man ASF Checkpoints Along Highways, Seaports Lee Welcomes NFA’s Higher Palay Buying Price, Bats For Cheaper Rice Act Lawmakers Unite Behind Lee’s Call To Increase DA Budget To Lower Food Prices Passage Of Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act To Bring Down Food Prices – Lee Lee Determined To Increase Agri Budget
Provide More Support To Onion Farmers To Lower Prices: Para ‘Di Umusa Sa Online Sellers Ang Consumers!
February 21, 2024 Provide More Support To Onion Farmers To Lower Prices: Para ‘Di Umusa Sa Online Sellers Ang Consumers! AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee urged the Department of Agriculture to provide additional support for local farmers, such as onion producers, to increase their income and lower the price of goods, so that consumers won’t prefer cheaper illegally-sourced products online. Lee was reacting to the proliferation of smuggled onions being sold online, some for as low as ₱25 per kilogram, which have caused farmgate prices of the crop to plunge. “Hindi po natin masisisi ang ating mga kababayan kung tangkilikin nila ang mga di hamak mas murang produkto na nabibili online, kasama na itong sibuyas. Sa mahal ng mga bilihin, doon sila sa mas makakamura, at madalas ay isinasantabi na lang yung pwedeng health hazard nito,” the solon said. “Sa kabilang banda, kawawa po ang ating mga magsasaka kapag hinayaan lang natin na kumalat o dumami ang mga nagbebenta ng smuggled na sibuyas online dahil ang ending nito, masasayang o mabubulok na naman ang mga lokal na ani,” he added. The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) earlier noted that onion farmers are already incurring losses with the current ₱28 per kilo farmgate price as the production costs now stand at ₱30 per kilo. According to Lee, “dapat dagdagan ang suporta sa ating mga lokal na magsasaka, kabilang na ang on time na pagdating ng ayuda, access sa mas murang farm inputs tulad ng fertilizers at pesticides, pati na ang dagdag na post-harvest facilities gaya ng cold storages.” “Kapag tinulungan natin sila sa mas murang production costs, at mas mabilis na access sa merkado at consumers, tataas ang kita ng ating mga local farmers, na mag-e-engganyo rin sa kanilang taasan ang produksyon, na magpapababa naman sa presyo.” “’Pag nangyari ito, hindi na kailangan umasa sa ilegal at mas murang produkto na nabibili online. Panalo ang magsasaka, panalo ang consumers, Winner Tayo Lahat,” Lee stressed. The Bicolano lawmaker also called on the Bureau of Customs (BoC) to impose tighter measures to halt the entry of smuggled onions and other agricultural products into the country. He also urged the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to implement more stringent measures to curb the sale of illegally-sourced agricultural products online. “In coordination with the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), kailangan suriin ang health hazard ng mga ibinebentang sibuyas online, sa pagsasagawa ng phytosanitary tests, at magbigay ng kaukulang babala sa publiko lalo na kung hindi ito ligtas kainin,” Lee pointed out. “Dapat lang na paigtingin ng gobyerno ang pagprotekta sa kabuhayan at kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan. Prayoridad dapat natin kung paano mapapagaan ang pasanin ng local producers at consumers. Mahalagang masiguro na may tiyak na trabaho, dagdag na kita, sapat at masustansyang pagkain ang bawat pamilya, at mabawasan ang pangamba na walang panggastos at lalong mabaon sa hirap sa panahon ng emergency o pagkakasakit.” Leave a Reply Cancel reply Logged in as admin_wilbertleeagriadvocacy. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Latest Post 20 Sep 2024 Among Preferred Senatorables In Latest Octa Survey Lee Joins Aksyon Demokratiko Of Fellow Bicolano Raul Roco 19 Sep 2024 Amid Port Congestion Delaying Low Rice Prices Lee Urges BOC, PPA To Boost Ports Manpower To Expedite Unloading Of Rice Shipments 12 Sep 2024 Lee Awaits Signing Of Economic Sabotage Law Amid Surge In Agricultural Smuggling Categories Advocay Legislation Support Share on Social Media Advocacy February 21, 2024 Hot News Among Preferred Senatorables In Latest Octa Survey Lee Joins Aksyon Demokratiko Of Fellow Bicolano Raul Roco Amid Port Congestion Delaying Low Rice Prices Lee Urges BOC, PPA To Boost Ports Manpower To Expedite Unloading Of Rice Shipments Lee Awaits Signing Of Economic Sabotage Law Amid Surge In Agricultural Smuggling Lee Calls For More Support For Coco Farmers, Fast-Track Release Of Livelihood And Health Benefits Oil Spill Accountability And Relief Lee Visits Bataan Oil Spill Ground Zero; Urges Govt To Fast-Track Assistance, Go After Those Accountable Oil Spill Accountability And Relief All Hands On Deck! Lee Urges DA To Tap HPG, PPA To Man ASF Checkpoints Along Highways, Seaports Lee Welcomes NFA’s Higher Palay Buying Price, Bats For Cheaper Rice Act Lawmakers Unite Behind Lee’s Call To Increase DA Budget To Lower Food Prices Passage Of Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act To Bring Down Food Prices – Lee Lee Determined To Increase Agri Budget
Lee Calls For Stricter Enforcement Of Anti-Overfishing Laws To Replenish Philippine Fish Stocks
January 31, 2024 Lee Calls For Stricter Enforcement Of Anti-Overfishing Laws To Replenish Philippine Fish Stocks The government should tighten the implementation of laws to safeguard against overfishing to increase the country’s fish stock, AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee said Wednesday. “While President Marcos said last year that he was not imposing a fishing ban, the government should fully implement existing fishery laws and regulations that would deter illegal fishing activities and the encroachment of commercial fishing vessels into municipal waters,” Lee said. The Bicolano lawmaker issued the statement following the release of a report from the Philippine Statistics Authority, which showed a 5.2 percent decrease on the fisheries production in the country for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the year before. “Sa isang banda, natutuwa tayo na kahit papaano tumaas pa rin ang year-on-year agriculture output natin sa Q4 pero sa kabilang banda ay nakababahala rin na bumaba ang produksyon natin sa pangingisda,” he said. “Kailangang paigtingin natin ang pagbabantay sa overfishing at ilegal na pangingisda dahil ito ang pangunahing dahilan ng pagbaba ng ating fish stocks. Malaki ang maiaambag ng pagsigla ng supply natin ng isda sa isinusulong natin na food security kung saan Winner Tayo Lahat,” he stressed. Lee said the decline in fisheries production “is certainly very concerning considering that we are an archipelagic country with one of the longest coastlines in the world.” “We are declared as the world’s center of marine biodiversity and yet our fisheries output has been consistently declining. Sabi nga ng mga kabataan, make it make sense,” he said. “Naniniwala tayo na ang administrasyong ito ay may sapat na political will para ipatupad ang ating mga batas na pumoprotekta sa kabuhayan ng ating maliliit na mangingisda at mabawasan ang kanilang pangamba na walang maipantustos sa pangangailangan ng pamilya, lalo na sa panahon ng pagkakasakit.” “Kabilang dito ang implementasyon ng Fisheries Code, partikular ang paglalagay ng vessel monitoring system (VMS) at electronic reporting system (ERS) sa mga commercial fishing vessels na naglalayag gamit ang bandila natin,” he added. “Mismong ang Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources na po ang nagsabi na mandatory ang installation ng mga VMS at ERS sa lahat ng commercial fishing vessels,” he further stressed. The latest report from the PSA showed that the 0.7 percent year-on-year increase in agriculture output in the fourth quarter of 2023 was driven mainly by improved crops, poultry, and livestock production. Poultry production grew by 7.8 percent accounting for 13.7 percent of the total agriculture output, while livestock posted a 2.7 percent growth. Crop production, which accounted for the majority of the total farm output at 58.7 percent, grew 0.1 percent year-on-year. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Logged in as admin_wilbertleeagriadvocacy. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Latest Post 20 Sep 2024 Among Preferred Senatorables In Latest Octa Survey Lee Joins Aksyon Demokratiko Of Fellow Bicolano Raul Roco 19 Sep 2024 Amid Port Congestion Delaying Low Rice Prices Lee Urges BOC, PPA To Boost Ports Manpower To Expedite Unloading Of Rice Shipments 12 Sep 2024 Lee Awaits Signing Of Economic Sabotage Law Amid Surge In Agricultural Smuggling Categories Advocay Legislation Support Share on Social Media Advocacy January 31, 2024 Hot News Among Preferred Senatorables In Latest Octa Survey Lee Joins Aksyon Demokratiko Of Fellow Bicolano Raul Roco Amid Port Congestion Delaying Low Rice Prices Lee Urges BOC, PPA To Boost Ports Manpower To Expedite Unloading Of Rice Shipments Lee Awaits Signing Of Economic Sabotage Law Amid Surge In Agricultural Smuggling Lee Calls For More Support For Coco Farmers, Fast-Track Release Of Livelihood And Health Benefits Oil Spill Accountability And Relief Lee Visits Bataan Oil Spill Ground Zero; Urges Govt To Fast-Track Assistance, Go After Those Accountable Oil Spill Accountability And Relief All Hands On Deck! Lee Urges DA To Tap HPG, PPA To Man ASF Checkpoints Along Highways, Seaports Lee Welcomes NFA’s Higher Palay Buying Price, Bats For Cheaper Rice Act Lawmakers Unite Behind Lee’s Call To Increase DA Budget To Lower Food Prices Passage Of Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act To Bring Down Food Prices – Lee Lee Determined To Increase Agri Budget
More post-harvest facilities, lower food prices: ‘Wag tipirin ang mga magsasaka!’ – Lee
January 21, 2024 More post-harvest facilities, lower food prices: ‘Wag tipirin ang mga magsasaka!’ – Lee AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee reiterated the crucial role of post-harvest facilities such as cold storages, dryers, and transport facilities to help farmers increase their income and lower food prices. Lee renewed his call to prioritize these facilities after Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said on Tuesday that a total of P93 billion is needed to build post-harvest facilities and prevent wasting corn and rice. According to the DA Secretary, around 12.7% to 15% of rice production is lost due to lack of post-harvest facilities. “We support the plan of Sec. Laurel to fund these projects dahil matagal na rin po nating panawagan ang paglalaan ng dagdag na pondo para sa post-harvest facilities,” Lee said. “We call on the House leadership to deliberate soon our proposed House Bill No. 3958 or the “Post-Harvest Facilities Support Act” and compel the government to construct and provide post-harvest facilities across the country,” he added. During the past budget deliberations, Lee repeatedly pointed out that not enough agricultural products reach the market due to extremely high post-harvest losses and lack of post-harvest services. Lee also previously questioned the DA on why the agency continued to propose low budgets for the said facilities despite the recurring problems of farmers on this phase of the agriculture value chain. “Napakalaki ng diperensya sa pondong ipinagkakaloob para sa pre-harvest activities kumpara sa inilalaan sa post-harvest facilities and services. Ang suporta ng gobyerno, hindi dapat natatapos sa pagtatanim, dapat tuloy-tuloy ito hanggang sa anihan at paghahatid ng produkto sa merkado at mga consumers,” stressed the solon. It can be recalled that during the plenary deliberations of the proposed 2024 budget of DA last year, Lee proposed to streamline and simplify the requirements to facilitate the distribution of services and establishment of facilities that will help farmers and fisherfolk increase their production, which the agency committed to do. “Nakapanlulumo yung ilang beses na nating nababalitaan na kung hindi man sinisira na lang ng mga magsasaka ang kanilang produkto, ay bumibiyahe pa sila nang napakalayo at ibinebenta na lang ang ani nang palugi kesa mabulok,” he said. “Hindi dapat tinetengga o tinitipid ang pondo para sa mga magsasaka at buong sektor ng agrikultura. Magiging Winner Tayo Lahat, mula sa mga agri workers na kikita nang mas malaki, at consumers na makakatipid sa mas murang bilihin, kung imbes na mga walang silbing proyekto, ay itong mga post-harvest facilities ang tinataasan ang pondo at mabilis na itinatayo at ipinamimigay,” the lawmaker added. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Logged in as admin_wilbertleeagriadvocacy. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Latest Post 20 Sep 2024 Among Preferred Senatorables In Latest Octa Survey Lee Joins Aksyon Demokratiko Of Fellow Bicolano Raul Roco 19 Sep 2024 Amid Port Congestion Delaying Low Rice Prices Lee Urges BOC, PPA To Boost Ports Manpower To Expedite Unloading Of Rice Shipments 12 Sep 2024 Lee Awaits Signing Of Economic Sabotage Law Amid Surge In Agricultural Smuggling Categories Advocay Legislation Support Share on Social Media Advocacy January 21, 2024 Hot News Among Preferred Senatorables In Latest Octa Survey Lee Joins Aksyon Demokratiko Of Fellow Bicolano Raul Roco Amid Port Congestion Delaying Low Rice Prices Lee Urges BOC, PPA To Boost Ports Manpower To Expedite Unloading Of Rice Shipments Lee Awaits Signing Of Economic Sabotage Law Amid Surge In Agricultural Smuggling Lee Calls For More Support For Coco Farmers, Fast-Track Release Of Livelihood And Health Benefits Oil Spill Accountability And Relief Lee Visits Bataan Oil Spill Ground Zero; Urges Govt To Fast-Track Assistance, Go After Those Accountable Oil Spill Accountability And Relief All Hands On Deck! Lee Urges DA To Tap HPG, PPA To Man ASF Checkpoints Along Highways, Seaports Lee Welcomes NFA’s Higher Palay Buying Price, Bats For Cheaper Rice Act Lawmakers Unite Behind Lee’s Call To Increase DA Budget To Lower Food Prices Passage Of Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act To Bring Down Food Prices – Lee Lee Determined To Increase Agri Budget