Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan is advocating for a stronger agricultural support system at the grassroots level in the Philippines. This push comes after his experience as a full-time farmer revealed significant gaps in the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) ability to provide adequate support to local farmers.

Senator’s Farming Experience Highlights Local Agriculture Challenges

Pangilinan shared his experiences in a Facebook Reel posted on March 19, 2026, where he detailed his work organizing 300 farmers in Alfonso, Cavite. He held weekly consultations with representatives from the DA, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), and the Municipal Agriculture Office to identify and address their needs. The Facebook Reel has garnered over 176,000 views and 5,800 reactions.

After 14 weeks of coordination, Pangilinan identified a critical issue: the Municipal Agriculture Office, responsible for supporting these farmers, had only seven employees. This limited staff capacity made it impossible to dedicate even a single person to supporting the newly formed farmer group.

“Malinaw, hindi sapat ang presensya ng Department of Agriculture sa grassroots,” Pangilinan stated, emphasizing the need for increased support at the local level. This translates to: “It’s clear, the Department of Agriculture’s presence at the grassroots is not enough.”

Proposed Legislation to Strengthen Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System

To address the identified shortcomings, Senator Pangilinan is advocating for legislation to strengthen the National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System, ensuring its effectiveness from the national level down to the municipal level. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive support to farmers and fisherfolk across the Philippines.

Limited Staffing Hampers Local Agricultural Support

The core of Pangilinan’s argument is that national agricultural policies often fail to translate into effective action at the local level due to insufficient resources and personnel. The case of Alfonso, Cavite, illustrates how even with dedicated farmers and willing government agencies, a lack of manpower can severely hinder progress. The seven staff members at the Municipal Agriculture Office were spread too thin to provide the individualized attention and support the farmer group needed to thrive.

Impact of Insufficient Local Support on Farmers

The lack of adequate support at the grassroots level has significant implications for Filipino farmers and fisherfolk. It can lead to decreased productivity, reduced income, and increased vulnerability to economic shocks. When farmers lack access to training, technical assistance, and other essential resources, they are less able to adopt modern farming techniques, manage their crops effectively, and compete in the market.

This issue also affects food security in the Philippines. If farmers are not adequately supported, the country may become more reliant on imports, increasing food prices and making it harder for low-income families to access nutritious food. By strengthening the National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System, Pangilinan hopes to address these challenges and create a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.

The National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System: Background

The National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System is a network of government agencies and institutions responsible for providing extension services to farmers and fisherfolk in the Philippines. These services include training, technical assistance, information dissemination, and market linkages. The system is designed to help farmers and fisherfolk improve their productivity, income, and livelihoods.

However, the effectiveness of the system has been hampered by a number of factors, including insufficient funding, inadequate staffing, and a lack of coordination among different agencies. Pangilinan’s proposed legislation seeks to address these issues and make the system more responsive to the needs of farmers and fisherfolk at the local level.

Senator’s Experience Reflects Broader Agricultural Challenges

Pangilinan’s experience in Alfonso, Cavite, is not unique. Many farmers across the Philippines face similar challenges in accessing the support they need from the government. This is particularly true in remote and underserved areas, where agricultural extension services are often limited or non-existent. The senator’s advocacy for a stronger National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System aims to level the playing field and ensure that all farmers have access to the resources they need to succeed.

Addressing the Gap Between Policy and Implementation

The proposed legislation aims to bridge the gap between national agricultural policy and local implementation by increasing funding for extension services, expanding the number of extension workers, and improving coordination among different agencies. It also seeks to empower local government units (LGUs) to play a greater role in delivering extension services to farmers and fisherfolk in their communities.

Potential for Increased Agricultural Productivity and Farmer Income

If successful, Pangilinan’s initiative could have a significant impact on the Philippine agricultural sector. By strengthening the National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System, the country could see increased agricultural productivity, higher farmer incomes, and improved food security. This would benefit not only farmers and fisherfolk but also the entire Philippine economy.

Looking Ahead: Legislative Steps and Future Implementation

The next steps for Pangilinan’s proposed legislation involve further discussion and debate in the Senate. The bill will need to be approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives before it can be signed into law by the President. Once enacted, the law will need to be implemented effectively to achieve its intended goals. This will require close coordination among government agencies, LGUs, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

Photo credit: Photo from Senator Kiko Pangilinan/Facebook