MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur | July 18, 2025 — During the AgriKIKO: Pasasalamat program held in Marawi City, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan reiterated his long-standing advocacy for farmers and fisherfolk, promising that agriculture and food security—especially in Mindanao—will be front and center in his legislative agenda.
In a heartfelt speech, Senator Pangilinan emphasized the need to lower food prices and increase direct support for the country’s agricultural backbone. He highlighted Mindanao’s potential to be the Philippines’ food basket and lamented the inefficiencies in the current agri-supply chain system, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“Sa BARMM, alam natin na 30% ng ating agri-fisheries supply ay galing dito,” Pangilinan said. “Subalit, dinadala ang sardinas sa Maynila tapos binabalik dito. Bakit hindi gawin dito ang processing? Bakit hindi bigyan ng suporta ang BARMM?”
He also announced that he filed a Senate resolution supporting the proposed Mindanao Food Basket Bill, which aims to channel infrastructure, processing facilities, and direct investment into the island’s agriculture sector. Moreover, he advocated for an additional ₱1 billion in funding under the Sagip Saka Act, a law he authored that facilitates direct farm-to-market transactions and government procurement from farmers and fisherfolk.
The senator promised that the additional budget will support farm mechanization, fertilizer subsidies, and provision of equipment such as tractors—all aimed at transforming agriculture from a subsistence activity into a viable enterprise.
“Priority ang agrikultura. Makakatiyak kayo na ipaglalaban natin ang mga ito,” he declared.
Local Stakeholders Share Ground Realities
Before the senator’s arrival, local government officials held a brainstorming session with farmers, fisherfolk, and cooperatives. The discussion shed light on long-standing issues including poor irrigation systems, high input costs, limited market access, absence of livestock insurance, and non-issuance of tax exemption certificates for cooperatives.
Provincial officials including Environment and Natural Resources Officer Forester Pili Papandayan, Agriculturist Mohammad Rajiv Radia, Cooperative Officer Ashadie Alonto, and Veterinarian Dr. Al-Hussein Dumaot led the session. These consultations aim to guide future policy and development programs that are more responsive to grassroots needs.
Food Terminal Project: A Glimpse of Hope
During the event, Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong, Jr. shared updates on the Provincial Government’s Food Terminal Project, which is envisioned to make Lanao del Sur a center for agriculture and commerce. The facility is designed to give Meranaw farmers direct access to markets, storage, and business opportunities—an initiative aligned with Senator Pangilinan’s legislative agenda.
Celebrity Support and Closing Sentiments
After the main program, Senator Pangilinan, joined by his wife, Megastar Sharon Cuneta, and their children, mingled with Capitol employees. Cuneta expressed her family’s deep appreciation for the warm welcome and serenaded attendees with a song, adding a light-hearted touch to an otherwise policy-focused gathering.
Commentary: Will This Be Another Broken Promise?
While Pangilinan’s pronouncements drew applause, they also revived a lingering sentiment among many in Mindanao: Will these promises translate into lasting, visible change?
For decades, Mindanao has been hailed as the country’s food basket by national politicians. Yet, systemic neglect, delayed infrastructure, and inconsistent budget allocations have left much of the region’s agricultural potential untapped. Countless previous officials have made similar pledges of support—only for these to fade once the headlines and public attention move elsewhere.
The Mindanao Food Basket Bill, if passed and implemented faithfully, could indeed become a game changer. But the people of BARMM and Lanao del Sur have heard many promises before. The real test lies in whether Senator Pangilinan and his colleagues in the Senate will follow through—or whether this will become another entry in the long list of well-meaning but unfulfilled campaign vows.
For now, farmers and fisherfolk in the region remain hopeful—but watchful. The burden of proof, as always, lies with those who hold the power to make change happen.