WITH unpredictable weather patterns threatening the country’s agricultural sector, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go is calling for increased government support for farmers struggling with the impacts of climate change, particularly the extreme heat as well as heavy rains associated with La Niña.
Go emphasized that small-scale farmers are among the most vulnerable to shifting weather conditions, which disrupt planting cycles, reduce yields, and lead to rising food prices. He warned that without proactive interventions, rural livelihoods could collapse, jeopardizing food security and leaving many Filipinos at risk of hunger.
“Kapag nasira ang ani, hindi lang ang magsasaka ang nagdurusa—apektado ang buong bayan. Tataas ang presyo ng pagkain, dadami ang nagugutom, at mas lalong mahihirapan ang maliliit nating kababayan,” Go said.
“Kaya dapat tiyakin natin na may sapat at tamang suporta ang ating mga magsasaka para sa mas matibay at mas produktibong agrikultura. Dapat happy ang mga farmers sa ating pagsisikap na walang magutom na pamilyang Pilipino,” he added.
Go is pushing for a more aggressive distribution of agricultural inputs to help farmers withstand climate-related shocks. He is encouraging the Department of Agriculture (DA) and other agencies to prioritize the provision of climate-resilient and high-yielding seeds, fertilizers, and modern farming equipment. He also called for expanded access to credit with lower interest rates, allowing farmers to invest in better technologies without falling prey to predatory lending practices.
In line with his legislative priorities, Go is advocating for the establishment of more farm-to-table farmers’ markets nationwide, ensuring that farmers can directly sell their produce at fair prices without relying on exploitative middlemen.
Recognizing that knowledge is just as critical as financial aid, Go is also pushing for increased training and scholarship opportunities for farmers and their children. Meanwhile, he is calling for more scholarships for children of farmers and fisherfolk to ensure the next generation remains engaged in agriculture rather than abandoning farms for urban jobs.
To further strengthen food security, Go is advocating for the establishment of provincial storage facilities and regional food terminals to prevent post-harvest losses and ensure stable food supplies across the country. He is also pushing for full crop insurance coverage for agrarian reform beneficiaries, providing farmers with financial protection against extreme weather events, plant diseases, and infestations.
“Hindi natin kontrolado ang panahon, pero kaya nating paghandaan ang epekto nito. Kailangan natin ng konkretong plano para mapanatiling matatag ang agrikultura at siguradong may pagkain sa bawat hapag,” Go stressed.
Go has also long championed policies aimed at protecting the agricultural sector, recognizing that the country’s food security depends on the well-being of farmers and fisherfolk. Among his significant legislative contributions is co-authoring Republic Act No. 11901, the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act of 2022, which strengthens financial support systems for farmers and fisherfolk, allowing them greater access to the resources they need to sustain their livelihoods.
Furthering this advocacy, he co-sponsored and co-authored Republic Act No. 11953, the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which relieves agrarian reform beneficiaries of their financial burdens by condoning their outstanding loans, including interest, penalties, and surcharges. This measure provides farmers with a fresh start and a better shot at economic stability.
Recognizing the increasing threats of climate change and natural disasters to agriculture, Go has also introduced Senate Bill No. 2117, which seeks to provide comprehensive crop insurance protection for agrarian reform beneficiaries. Additionally, he filed Senate Bill No. 2118, which aims to expand insurance coverage and services for farmers, ensuring they have a safety net when faced with unforeseen crises if enacted into law.
As climate change continues to threaten agriculture, Go is urging the government to take swift, coordinated action to build a more resilient farming sector. His proposals seek not just to protect farmers from immediate weather disturbances but to provide them with long-term stability and sustainable livelihoods.
“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, anumang pagsubok ang ating haharapin sa susunod na mga araw, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go said.
