Cong. Wilbert Lee Stresses Farmer Support as Inflation Solution at Kapihan sa QC
November 7, 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee Stresses Farmer Support as Inflation Solution at Kapihan sa QC At the Kapihan sa QC forum, Rep. Wilbert Manoy “Wise” Lee highlighted how crucial farmer support is to tackling inflation, especially in light of the recent rice tariff cuts. Lee voiced concerns that local farmers could struggle to compete with the surge of imported products. “Ang mga magsasaka natin ang unang maapektuhan,” he said, stressing that the government should prioritize policies that empower Filipino farmers as the best defense against rising food prices. Lee also noted that relying too heavily on imports is risky, as global factors like climate change and geopolitical tensions can disrupt food supply. Instead, he advocates for measures to improve local production. His Cheaper Rice Act aims to ensure farmers get fair prices, while his proposed Post-Harvest Facilities Support Act and Kadiwa Agri-Food Terminal Act focus on modernizing the sector to reduce waste, improve quality, and connect farmers directly with markets. Recently, Lee visited Bulacan to meet with farmers who shared their struggles with inadequate post-harvest facilities. He reaffirmed his commitment to securing the resources farmers need to thrive. “Winner tayo lahat kapag sinusuportahan natin ang mga magsasaka!” he added, emphasizing that increased support for farmers would improve food security, lower prices, and ultimately ease the financial burden on Filipino families. #StrengthenPHAgri #SupportOurFarmers #AGRIForThePeople Leave a Reply Cancel reply Logged in as admin_wilbertleeagriadvocacy. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Latest Post 18 Nov 2024 Amid calamities AGRI PL CALLS TO FAST-TRACK EXPANSION OF CROP INSURANCE COVERAGE 07 Nov 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee Stresses Farmer Support as Inflation Solution at Kapihan sa QC 06 Nov 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee: Supporting Farmers is Best Solution to Curb Inflation Categories Advocay Legislation Support Share on Social Media Support November 7, 2024 Hot News 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 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Urges PhilHealth, PCA to Fulfill Commitments to Coconut Farmers’ Health Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Calls on PhilHealth, PCA to Deliver Health Benefits for Coconut Farmers AGRI Party-list Ranks 8th in Tangere Poll for 2025 Elections, Vows to Continue Advocacy for Farmers
Round-the-Clock Port Operations: Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Pushes for 24/7 Government Services to Lower Rice Prices
October 8, 2024 Round-the-Clock Port Operations: Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Pushes for 24/7 Government Services to Lower Rice Prices Cong. Wilbert Manoy “Wise” T. Lee is pushing for 24/7 government services to address the growing backlog of rice shipments at ports, which has caused rice prices to spike. Lee’s House Bill No. 10426 aims to streamline government services and reduce delays that contribute to higher costs for Filipino consumers. “We need all hands on deck,” Lee emphasized, calling for round-the-clock operations at the country’s ports to lower rice prices and improve food security. Lee also warned that the benefits of Executive Order No. 62, which reduced rice tariffs, would be wasted unless port congestion is addressed. #24HourSolutions #LowerRiceCosts #WilbertLeeInAction #GovernmentReformNow Leave a Reply Cancel reply Logged in as admin_wilbertleeagriadvocacy. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Latest Post 07 Nov 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee Stresses Farmer Support as Inflation Solution at Kapihan sa QC 06 Nov 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee: Supporting Farmers is Best Solution to Curb Inflation 05 Nov 2024 Cong. Wilbert Manoy "Wise" Lee Advocates for Stronger Support to Farmers Amid Inflation Categories Advocay Legislation Support Share on Social Media Support October 8, 2024 Hot News 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 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Urges PhilHealth, PCA to Fulfill Commitments to Coconut Farmers’ Health Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Calls on PhilHealth, PCA to Deliver Health Benefits for Coconut Farmers AGRI Party-list Ranks 8th in Tangere Poll for 2025 Elections, Vows to Continue Advocacy for Farmers GRI Party-list Ranks Among Top Choices for 2025 Midterm Elections, Says Tangere Survey
Amid Port Congestion Delaying Low Rice Prices Lee Urges BOC, PPA To Boost Ports Manpower To Expedite Unloading Of Rice Shipments
September 19, 2024 Amid Port Congestion Delaying Low Rice Prices Lee Urges BOC, PPA To Boost Ports Manpower To Expedite Unloading Of Rice Shipments Cong. Wilbert Manoy “Wise” T. Lee has called on the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to expedite the unloading of rice shipments at the country’s ports to increase the supply and lower the price of rice in the market. Lee’s call comes amid port congestion, which has been a significant hurdle in stabilizing rice prices, as noted by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. in a press briefing. “We need to work quickly and efficiently as every delay in unloading rice cargoes not only adds to costs but also worsens the situation for consumers, especially with inflation,” Lee who is set to visit Bacolod today to attend as keynote speaker the Visayas Public Transportation Modernization Program Forum, said. “Biruin n’yo, nasa isa hanggang dalawang linggo na raw nakatengga ‘yung mga kargamento ng bigas sa ating mga ports. Imbes na mailabas agad sa merkado para dumami ang supply at mapababa ang presyo ng bigas, eh lalo pa itong nagmamahal,” he added. Lee proposed increasing manpower at ports or implementing round-the-clock shifts to address the logistical bottlenecks and ensure faster processing of shipments to resolve backlogs quickly. He then called for the immediate passage of his proposed House Bill No. 10426 which pushes 24/7 frontline government services and extension of face-to-face transactions. This measure would include the operations of the BOC and other government agencies to have speedy and efficient administration of services. “We need all hands on deck. Increasing workforce or having 24/7 operations will significantly reduce backlogs and lower the prices of rice,” the solon from Bicol said. “A seamless supply chain system, including efficient port logistics, is crucial to ensuring food security and keeping prices affordable. Mawawalan ng silbi ang Executive Order No. 62 na nagpababa ng taripa sa imported na bigas kung di naman mapapakinabangan ng mga consumers ang mas murang bigas,” he added. EO 62, issued by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in July, lowered the tariffs on imported rice from 35% to 15%. “Walang puwang dapat sa gobyerno ang mababagal at usad-pagong na sistema. Lagi dapat itong agrisibo sa paghahanap ng solusyon kung paano mapagaan ang pasanin ng mga Pilipino, hindi yung lalo pang nagpapabigat sa problema ng taumbayan, lalo sa usapin ng pagkain,” Lee said. “Habang naglalatag tayo ng panandaliang solusyon, dapat kumikilos na tayo para sa long-term na solusyon. Sa suporta sa agrikultura, panalo ang masa. Dapat lang na dagdagan ang tulong sa ating food security soldiers, mula sa pagtatanim, sa anihan, hanggang sa paghahatid at pagbebenta ng produkto sa merkado na siya ring magpapababa ng presyo. Murang pagkain, gawin na natin!” he added. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Logged in as admin_wilbertleeagriadvocacy. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Latest Post 26 Nov 2024 AGRI Party-list Urges Senate to Prioritize Crop Insurance Expansion 18 Nov 2024 Amid calamities AGRI PL CALLS TO FAST-TRACK EXPANSION OF CROP INSURANCE COVERAGE 07 Nov 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee Stresses Farmer Support as Inflation Solution at Kapihan sa QC Categories Advocay Legislation Support Share on Social Media Advocacy September 19, 2024 Hot News AGRI Party-list Urges Senate to Prioritize Crop Insurance Expansion 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 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Urges PhilHealth, PCA to Fulfill Commitments to Coconut Farmers’ Health Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Calls on PhilHealth, PCA to Deliver Health Benefits for Coconut Farmers
Lawmakers Unite Behind Lee’s Call To Increase DA Budget To Lower Food Prices
August 12, 2024 Murang pagkain, Gawin na natin! Lawmakers Unite Behind Lee’s Call To Increase DA Budget To Lower Food Prices Murang Pagkain, Gawin na Natin! Lawmakers on Monday united behind AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert Manoy “Wise” T. Lee’s call to give the needed budget of the Department of Agriculture (DA) which only got P200.2 billion from its requested P513.8 billion for 2025. During the House briefing on DA’s 2025 budget, Lee said: “Priority ba natin talaga ang agrikultura? Seryoso ba tayo dito? Dahil ang nabasa ko, sinabi ni Secretary [Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr.], P513 billion ang request niya. Ngayon, nakita ko P200 billion lang ang binigay. Ang laki ng difference. Paano natin pabababain ang presyo ng pagkain kung kulang ang inilaan na pondo para sa agrikultura?” “Gusto nating pataasin ang produksyon, pababain ang presyo ng bilihin pero binawasan ang budget. Para tayong naglolokohan lang. Dapat ibigay yung ni-request ng ahensya, at gastusin nang tama para maramdaman agad ng mamamayan, hindi yung nakatengga lang.” This was echoed by his fellow lawmakers such as Rep. Antonio “Tonypet” Albano, Rep. Luis Raymund “Lray” Villafuerte and Rep. Jose “Bong” Teves Jr., among others. “As I said, from our colleague, AGRI Party-list [Rep. Wilbert Lee], tama, kulang po ang budget ng Department of Agriculture. Ngayon ang tanong, bakit tayo nandito? Kailangan nating suportahan ang budget ng Department of Agriculture,” Teves said, which was seconded by other Congressmen. DA Secretary Tiu-Laurel agreed with Lee’s sentiment saying that he is not yet satisfied with the budget given to the agency. “It is unfortunate na yung request natin na P500 billion ay naging P200 billion. I guess, it all boils down sa kung ano ang kaya ng ating gobyerno na i-provide. But of course, manghihingi pa kami ng kaunting dagdag sa bicam [bicameral conference committee], before the end of the year,” the DA chief said. Lee, a food security champion, also pointed out the huge difference between the pre-harvest services and post-harvest facilities which have an allocation of P58.45 billion and P13.51 billion, respectively. “Alam naman po natin na ang post-harvest ang isa sa malaking problema ng ating mga magsasaka. Bakit ba ayaw nating dagdagan ang budget dito, kung hindi man agad na maipantay, eh mailapit man lang sa pre-harvest budget? Napakalayo ng agwat?” Lee said. The solon from Bicol also underscored the need to boost market linkages citing the recent incident of excess tomatoes which Nueva Ecija farmers had to forego or sell for lower prices. “Matagal na po itong ganitong problema. Madalas sobra sa isang lugar, kulang sa ibang lugar ang supply. Pinapalala yan ng problema ng kawalan ng dryers, cold storage facilities, mga machineries, kakulangan ng food terminals o Kadiwa centers,” the solon remarked. Lee then vowed to work closely with the DA family and to submit his proposed amendments to increase the budget of the DA that can help lower the prices of rice and other agricultural commodities. “Paulit-ulit na natin itong panawagan. Pero walang nangyayari. Hindi tayo naglolokohan dito. Seryosong usapin ito para maabot ang murang pagkain. Kawawa ang ating local food producers, kawawa din tayong lahat. Gusto natin mapamura ang pagkain, hindi yung napapamura ang Pilipino sa mahal na bilihin.” “Once and for all, Mr. Chair, Mr. Secretary, gawin na natin ito. May pondo ang gobyerno, nakakapaglaan nga tayo sa mga proyekto na hindi nga ganoon kahalaga o kailangan. Ano pa ang hinihintay natin? Murang pagkain, mataas na produksyon, gawin na natin!” Lee said. Leave a Comment Cancel reply Logged in as admin_wilbertleeagriadvocacy. Edit your profile. Log out? Required fields are marked * Message* Latest Post 26 Nov 2024 AGRI Party-list Urges Senate to Prioritize Crop Insurance Expansion 18 Nov 2024 Amid calamities AGRI PL CALLS TO FAST-TRACK EXPANSION OF CROP INSURANCE COVERAGE 07 Nov 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee Stresses Farmer Support as Inflation Solution at Kapihan sa QC Categories Advocay Legislation Support Share on Social Media Advocacy August 12, 2024 Hot News AGRI Party-list Urges Senate to Prioritize Crop Insurance Expansion 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 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Urges PhilHealth, PCA to Fulfill Commitments to Coconut Farmers’ Health Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Calls on PhilHealth, PCA to Deliver Health Benefits for Coconut Farmers
Lee To DA: Invest In Research On Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties
March 24, 2024 Lee To DA: Invest In Research On Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert “Wise” T. Lee urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to focus on the development of climate-resilient varieties of major crops to mitigate the impact of future occurrences of the El Niño phenomenon. This, as the DA announced that agricultural damage caused by the intensifying El Niño has already reached ₱1.75 billion, covering more than 32,000 hectares of farm lands and displacing almost 30,000 farmers. “Panahon na upang pagtuunan natin ng pansin ang pagdevelop ng climate-resilient na palay at mais para maibsan ang epekto ng El Niño sa hinaharap,” Lee said. “Mayroon nang mga naunang pag-aaral ang IRRI (International Rice Research Institute) sa climate-resilient rice na kayang magtolerate sa extreme climate conditions. We just need to adopt and build on this technology in order for our farmers to benefit from it,” he added. The IRRI has developed drought-tolerant rice varieties which have been released in several countries including Sahbhagi Dhan in India, the Sahod Ulan in the Philippines, and the Sookha Dhan varieties in Nepal. The IRRI is also currently studying flood-tolerant rice varieties which have been released and are now being planted in various areas including Swarna Sub1 in India, Samba Mahsuri in Bangladesh, and IR64-Sub1 in the Philippines. “Mayroon ding pag-aaral ang United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) tungkol naman sa drought-tolerant (DT) corn. I suggest we propose a knowledge exchange of sorts para mapakinabangan nila ang pag-aaral natin sa palay at makuha naman natin ang teknolohiya nila sa mais,” the Bicolano lawmaker said. DT corn varieties became available to US farmers between 2011 and 2013 after decades of research on drought tolerance by crop breeders and plant scientists. “We need to utilize and maximize all available agricultural technologies so as to make our farmers—our food security soldiers—more resilient to climate change,” the solon said. “Kapag hindi na apektado ang ating mga magsasaka sa pagbabago ng klima, tataas ang produksyon at kita nila, at bawas pangamba naman sa ibang mga pangangailangan tulad ng gastos sa pagkakasakit o pagpapa-ospital.” “Ang dulo nito, makakatulong ang climate resilient crop varieties sa pagkamit ng food security. At kapag natiyak natin ang food security, siguradong Winner Tayo Lahat ,” he added. The DA earlier announced that eight regions in the Philippines were most affected by the El Niño: Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Soccsksargen. Most affected was Mimaropa, which incurred P770 million damage to agriculture, followed by Western Visayas with ₱560 million; Cagayan Valley, ₱180 million; Central Luzon, ₱158 million; Ilocos, ₱54 million; Zamboanga peninsula, ₱13 million; Calabarzon, ₱7 million, and Soccsksargen, ₱2 million. 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 March 24, 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
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 “Wise” 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 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 January 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