Manila: Senator Francis Pangilinan on Wednesday urged the private sector to take a more active role in supporting rural development, food security, and the empowerment of farmers and fisherfolk.
According to Philippines News Agency, Pangilinan emphasized that the government must ensure a conducive environment where the private sector would be inspired to support these areas. As the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, he called on officials of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries to develop strategies and policies that would advance the growth of the country's agriculture sector.
Pangilinan highlighted the importance of strengthening synergy with the private sector, noting that it possesses greater financial resources compared to the government. However, he pointed out that the lack of inspiration from the government has hindered private sector involvement.
He underscored the significance of private sector participation in the production of government-supported crops, such as rice, coconut, and sugar, while comparing these to the thriving products grown by private companies like pineapples, mangoes, and bananas. Pangilinan believes that a more inspiring government approach would encourage private investments in agriculture.
Pangilinan concluded by stating that while government support remains essential, meaningful progress can be achieved by having the business community as co-champions of the country's food producers.
