SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday morning vowed to look into the problems of the agriculture sector to help millions of Filipino farmers and fishermen.
He told his colleagues at the start of the Second Regular Session of the 19th Congress that the chamber would also prioritize the approval of the remaining nine urgent measures identified by the
Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).
“It is equally imperative to address the issues confronting our agricultural sector in the soonest possible time. We will redouble our efforts to stop the smuggling of rice, sugar, and onions, which harms
our farmers’ competitiveness and disrupts the agricultural value chain,” Romualdez, leader of the 312-member House of Representatives, said.
“We shall safeguard our farmers’ interests, ensure equitable market conditions, and foster sustainable farming methods to ensure our nation’s food security,” he said.
Over the weekend, the House leader promised to closely monitor the implementation of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, under which P5.7 billion in debt incurred by 610,000 farmers and other agrarian reform beneficiaries is to be written off.
“In addition to our priority measures and in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to sustainable fisheries, we will increase the existing strategic agriculture and fisheries
development zones,” Romualdez said.
“These zones will not only reinforce our fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing but also promote responsible fishing practices, safeguard our marine resources, and support the
livelihoods of our fisherfolk,” he said.
He said the House would also “upgrade and modernize” by strengthening the Public-Private Partnership program.
“This powerful tool enables us to harness the expertise, innovation, and resources of the private sector and combine it with the reach, stability, and public purpose of government.
“By leveraging the expertise and resources of the private sector, we can accelerate the development of vital transportation networks, energy systems, and digital infrastructure that are essential for a
thriving economy,” he added.
The House leader pointed out that his chamber recognizes the “potential that such collaborations have in propelling economic advancement and job creation for our citizens.”
“As we move forward, we have a robust pipeline of reforms designed to propel our nation’s economic development further. We are dedicated to enacting laws that will remove obstacles, foster innovation, and support industries that have the potential to drive sustainable growth and development,” he stressed.
Romualdez reassured foreign investors that the House would continue to pursue investor-friendly measures.
“We will actively engage in discussions and cooperate with the global business community to create an international business environment in our country,” he said.
He took pride in the achievements the House made during the First Regular Session of Congress, for which he expressed his deep gratitude to his colleagues.
“The First Regular Session’s accomplishments bear testament to our collective will and determination. We have raised the standards, and the expectations are high. Yet, we are not daunted. We are inspired.
We are not simply lawmakers but nation-builders and champions of the people,” he said.
“Your relentless devotion and unyielding efforts have launched us toward addressing the urgent challenges of our era and enacting impactful legislation. Now, we must ensure this momentum propels us further. Our solemn pledge is to continue championing the change our beloved nation so earnestly requires,” he said.
