Expanding Agarwood Industry To Create 30,000 Jobs, Additional Income For Farmers — Lee
May 21, 2024 Expanding Agarwood Industry To Create 30,000 Jobs, Additional Income For Farmers — Lee AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert “Wise” T. Lee has filed a measure to liberalize and expand opportunities in Agarwood industry that will not only increase the income of farmers, but also has the potential to create up to 30,000 jobs and livelihood in the country. According to Lee, principal author of House Bill No. 10320 or the “Agarwood Industry Development Act”, “Our countrymen deserve to be given more opportunities to venture into such a high-value industry and to compete globally.” “Napakalaki ng potensyal na makatulong nitong Agarwood industry hindi lang sa sektor ng agrikultura kundi sa ating buong ekonomiya. Mula sa seedlings hanggang sa pagiging puno, lahat may pakinabang,” said the solon from Bicol. “Its seedlings alone can generate income of thousands of pesos per month. If maximized, it could also generate opportunities up to approximately 20,000 to 30,000 jobs directly and indirectly, including roles in cultivation, harvesting, processing, marketing, and sales,” he added. Agarwood, locally known as “lapnisan,” is a high-value tree known for its distinctive fragrance which is commonly sourced from Aquilaria. This forest product is used as a material for incense, perfume, and medicine. Reportedly, price of Agarwood per kilo ranges from P24,000 to P53 million, depending on quality. Being classified as a threatened plant and endangered species, the government highly regulates its trade and commercialization to protect it from further extinction. “Currently, we have regulations for farmed Aquilaria, those which are cultivated for trade. But with the promising profits from a sustainable Agarwood industry which can generate jobs and livelihood across the country and contribute to the Philippine economy, the government must optimize the industry by allowing more Filipinos to venture into it while ensuring protection of our natural resources to avoid exploitation,” Lee pointed out. Under HB 10320, the Agarwood Industry Authority (AIA) shall be created to promote and provide direction for farming, propagation, harvesting, trading, commercialization, development, and sustainability of Aquilaria. It will also institutionalize the Agarwood Research Office (ARO) which will lead in conducting extensive research on the value chain and best practices in cultivation of Aquilaria to guide our farmers to maximize its benefits. And to prevent proliferation of poaching Agarwood species, the said measure will also establish the Aquilaria Registration Office which will facilitate the registration of Aquilaria farms and trees, nursery farm permit, and report of harvest and trade to keep a consolidated record of data of all value chains of Aquilaria in the Philippines. “Kasabay ng pag-commercialize, dapat may malinaw na patakaran o sistema ng pagpaparehistro nito para ma-monitor ang mga legally at illegally acquired Agarwood, upang maiwasan ang pag-abuso at paglapastangan sa kalikasan,” Lee said recalling the poaching incident of Agarwood species reported in Aklan last December 2023 where 10 persons in possession of 1.35 kilograms of Agarwood worth P216,000, were apprehended by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). “Sa napakayaman nating kalikasan, dapat maging enabler at manguna ang gobyerno sa paglikha at pagpaparami ng mga oportunidad sa bansa. The Filipinos deserve better services to ease their plight so we will continue demanding just policies to boost opportunities,” Lee remarked. “Winner Tayo Lahat sa dagdag na trabaho at kita para sa libo-libo nating kababayan na maihahatid nitong paglinang at pagpapalawak sa industriya ng Agarwood. Makapagbibigay ito ng kapanatagan ng loob sa pantustos sa pagkain, at sa iba pang gastusin, lalo na sa pangamba ng marami na magkasakit, dahil sa takot na lalong malubog sa hirap at utang dahil walang pambili ng gamot o pambayad sa hospital,” he added. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Logged in as admin_wilbertleeagriadvocacy. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Latest Post 28 Nov 2024 Expanded Crop Insurance Key to Food Security, Says AGRI Party-list 26 Nov 2024 AGRI Party-list Urges Senate to Prioritize Crop Insurance Expansion 25 Nov 2024 AGRI Party-list Pushes for Expanded Crop Insurance Amid Calamities Categories Advocay Legislation Support Share on Social Media Advocacy, Support May 21, 2024 Hot News Expanded Crop Insurance Key to Food Security, Says AGRI Party-list AGRI Party-list Urges Senate to Prioritize Crop Insurance Expansion AGRI Party-list Pushes for Expanded Crop Insurance Amid Calamities Amid calamities AGRI PL CALLS TO FAST-TRACK EXPANSION OF CROP INSURANCE COVERAGE Cong. Wilbert Lee Stresses Farmer Support as Inflation Solution at Kapihan sa QC Cong. Wilbert Lee: Supporting Farmers is Best Solution to Curb Inflation Cong. Wilbert Manoy “Wise” Lee Advocates for Stronger Support to Farmers Amid Inflation Cong. Wilbert Lee: “Ang pinakamabisang solusyon sa inflation ay pagtulong sa mga magsasaka” Cong. Wilbert Lee Champions Bigger Budget for Agriculture in 2025 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Demands Action on Coconut Farmers’ Health Benefits Amid Delays
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 “Wise” 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 28 Nov 2024 Expanded Crop Insurance Key to Food Security, Says AGRI Party-list 26 Nov 2024 AGRI Party-list Urges Senate to Prioritize Crop Insurance Expansion 25 Nov 2024 AGRI Party-list Pushes for Expanded Crop Insurance Amid Calamities Categories Advocay Legislation Support Share on Social Media Advocacy, Support April 5, 2024 Hot News Expanded Crop Insurance Key to Food Security, Says AGRI Party-list AGRI Party-list Urges Senate to Prioritize Crop Insurance Expansion AGRI Party-list Pushes for Expanded Crop Insurance Amid Calamities Amid calamities AGRI PL CALLS TO FAST-TRACK EXPANSION OF CROP INSURANCE COVERAGE Cong. Wilbert Lee Stresses Farmer Support as Inflation Solution at Kapihan sa QC Cong. Wilbert Lee: Supporting Farmers is Best Solution to Curb Inflation Cong. Wilbert Manoy “Wise” Lee Advocates for Stronger Support to Farmers Amid Inflation Cong. Wilbert Lee: “Ang pinakamabisang solusyon sa inflation ay pagtulong sa mga magsasaka” Cong. Wilbert Lee Champions Bigger Budget for Agriculture in 2025 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Demands Action on Coconut Farmers’ Health Benefits Amid Delays
Lee To DENR: Update List Of Abandoned, Undeveloped, Underutilized Fishponds For Mangrove Conversion
February 28, 2024 Lee To DENR: Update List Of Abandoned, Undeveloped, Underutilized Fishponds For Mangrove Conversion AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert “Wise” T. Lee on Wednesday urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to update its list of abandoned, undeveloped, and underutilized (AUU) ponds covered by Fishpond Lease Agreements (FLA) so that these may be converted back to mangrove forests. Citing the Amended Fisheries Code, Lee said it is the duty of the DENR, together with local government units, other concerned agencies, and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (FARMCs), to determine which AUU fishponds covered by FLAs can be reverted to their original mangrove state and to take all steps necessary to restore such areas in their original mangrove state after such determination has been made. “Mangrove forests are important especially in coastal communities as they provide not only a source of food but also protect coastlines and prevent erosion,” he said. “Malinaw po na nakasaad sa Republic Act No. 8550 o Fisheries Code na kailangang mayroong listahan ang DENR ng mga hindi na ginagamit o napabayaan nang mga palaisdaan. Responsibilidad din ng DENR na ibalik ang mga ito sa pagiging mangrove forests,” he added as he called for the full implementation of the law. Lee undercored the need to tighten the implementation of laws and policies, stressing that “We already have the law in place, kailangan lang ang maayos at seryosong pagpapatupad nito.” “Dapat maipatupad ang mga batas sa pangangalaga sa kalikasan bilang proteksyon din ng ating mamamayan mula sa sakuna, at para mabigyan sila ng tiyak na kabuhayan, dagdag na kita, sapat at masustansyang pagkain, at mabawasan ang pangamba na wala silang panggastos ‘pag sila ay nagkasakit,” the solon said. The Bicolano lawmaker also called for adequate budgetary support to fast-track the conversion of the AUU fishponds back to their original mangrove state, as part of the effort to restore mangrove cover in the country. “According to scientists and leading maritime conservation groups, about 50 percent of our mangroves have been lost to fishpond conversion and other coastal projects, making us the second worst country in Southeast Asia in terms of mangrove losses. It is high time that we do something about this,” he said. Moreover, Lee, principal author of House Bill No. 9662, or the “Blue Economy Act,” called on the Senate to approve their version of the bill. The proposed legislation would provide a framework for the safe use and sustainable development of maritime resources in the country. “Blue economy” refers to a practical ocean-based economic model using green infrastructure and technologies, innovative financing mechanisms, and proactive institutional arrangements for meeting the twin goals of protecting our oceans and coasts and enhancing its potential contribution to sustainable development, including improving human well-being, and reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. “Kailangan nating pangalagaan ang ating yamang tubig upang mapakinabangan din ito ng mga susunod pang henerasyon para Winner Tayo Lahat, maging ang ating mga apo sa tuhod at apo sa talampakan. Huwag nating paabutin sa puntong huli na ang lahat bago tayo kumilos,” he said. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Logged in as admin_wilbertleeagriadvocacy. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Latest Post 28 Nov 2024 Expanded Crop Insurance Key to Food Security, Says AGRI Party-list 26 Nov 2024 AGRI Party-list Urges Senate to Prioritize Crop Insurance Expansion 25 Nov 2024 AGRI Party-list Pushes for Expanded Crop Insurance Amid Calamities Categories Advocay Legislation Support Share on Social Media Legislation February 28, 2024 Hot News Expanded Crop Insurance Key to Food Security, Says AGRI Party-list AGRI Party-list Urges Senate to Prioritize Crop Insurance Expansion AGRI Party-list Pushes for Expanded Crop Insurance Amid Calamities Amid calamities AGRI PL CALLS TO FAST-TRACK EXPANSION OF CROP INSURANCE COVERAGE Cong. Wilbert Lee Stresses Farmer Support as Inflation Solution at Kapihan sa QC Cong. Wilbert Lee: Supporting Farmers is Best Solution to Curb Inflation Cong. Wilbert Manoy “Wise” Lee Advocates for Stronger Support to Farmers Amid Inflation Cong. Wilbert Lee: “Ang pinakamabisang solusyon sa inflation ay pagtulong sa mga magsasaka” Cong. Wilbert Lee Champions Bigger Budget for Agriculture in 2025 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Demands Action on Coconut Farmers’ Health Benefits Amid Delays