Manila: Abra Rep. JB Bernos has urged the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) to contribute to the agricultural sector by donating trucks, aiming to alleviate the logistical challenges faced by farmers.

According to Philippines News Agency, Bernos made this appeal following a recent Senate hearing where Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted the Department of Agriculture's efforts to support farmers with logistics through their own fleet of hauling trucks. However, Tiu Laurel admitted that the department's resources and capabilities are currently limited.

In a statement made on Thursday, Bernos proposed that PAGCOR, PCSO, and other government-owned and -controlled corporations consider donating trucks and additional logistical and post-harvest support. This initiative is seen as crucial to bolstering the country's food security.

"We commend PAGCOR and PCSO for their contributions to healthcare through the donation of patient transport vehicles. However, I challenge our GOCCs to extend similar support to the agricultural sector," Bernos stated. He emphasized that providing hauling trucks to local government units could address one of the persistent issues plaguing the agriculture industry in the Philippines.

Bernos further explained that the lack of logistics support has resulted in significant crop spoilage nationwide. "The donation of trucks would be instrumental in preventing this," he concluded.