CITING the crucial role of farmers and fisherfolk in ensuring food security, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go underscored the need to continue strengthening agricultural support systems and infrastructure as he welcomed the recent enactment of a measure that expands the agriculture, fisheries, and rural development financing system.
In a statement, Go also called on the agriculture sector to avail of the benefits contained under Republic Act 11901 that he co-authored with Sen. Cynthia Villar.
The measure repealed RA 10000, or the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act of 2009, which was initially designed to extend credit access to the agriculture sector.
Go previously remarked that the old law had to be improved since most farmers and fisherfolk remain a low-income, impoverished, high-risk sector due to the lack of means and mechanisms to add value to their products.
But under RA 11901, Go noted that reforms were made where rural communities have now greater access to credit which will help improve their welfare, competitiveness, income and productivity, particularly for farmers, fisherfolk, agri-based workers and organizations, and other target rural community beneficiaries.
“Pangunahing source ng kabuhayan ng karamihan ng ating mamamayang Pilipino ang agrikultura kaya dapat mas palakasin pa natin ang mga programa o kaya naman dagdagan pa upang mas lalo pong ma-engganyo ang ating mga magsasaka. Sila ang nagsisiguro na may makain tayo sa araw-araw,” said Go.
“It is critical that we support our farmers and fishers. To ensure that those in rural areas have equitable prospects for development, we must continue to strengthen agricultural support systems and infrastructure,” he stressed.
The new law mandates all banking institutions, except newly established banks, to set aside at least 25 percent of their total loanable funds for agricultural and fisheries-related sectors after they have been operating for five years.
The total loanable funds generated by a banking institution will be defined by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Moreover, both the Land Bank and the Development Bank of the Philippines are tasked to use their resources to invest in, and promote, digital banking technology, automation, branchless banking, and cash agent operations to reach more remote areas; and use of e-commerce and mobile phone applications to reach the rural public.
Under the law, financing shall come in the form of loans and investments to support productivity-enhancing programs, projects, or activities, encourage competitiveness, and promote sustainable development of rural communities.
This also includes post-harvest activities like processing, storage, marketing, distribution, and logistics.
Rehabilitate quake-damaged cultural, historical sites
Meanwhile, Go also joined hands with Sen. Robin Padilla in calling on the Executive Department to immediately act on the repair and rehabilitation of historical and cultural structures damaged by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that damaged huge areas of Northern Luzon last July 27, 2022.
Under Senate Resolution 86 that Go filed with Padilla last August 1, 2022, they called on Malacañan to immediately support the restoration of cultural heritage sites and national landmarks which were damaged by the earthquake.
The two popular lawmakers jointly visited several areas affected by the earthquake and gave assistance to the victims located in Bangued and Lagangilang, Abra, and Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
The resolution cites that “these historical edifices serve as constant reminders of an important era in our culture where we are reminded of our diverse and symbolic history.”
Go also remarked, “These sites are also major tourist attractions, generating income for the local inhabitants. Faster restoration of these sites will help ensure that people regain their livelihoods as soon as possible and, at the same time, preserve our culture and traditions.”
Go added he also intends to file a bill amending the National Building Code of the Philippines, which was promulgated over 40 years ago, noting, “Kailangang sumabay ang ating mga batas sa mga pangangailangan ng modernong panahon, lalo na ngayon na mas dumadami at mas tumitindi ang mga kalamidad sa bansa, katulad ng lindol at bagyo.
“Dapat maisama ang disaster resilience measures sa paggawa ng mga rules ang regulations, mga building plans and technical requirements.”