MANILA — The Philippine Senate has introduced Senate Bill No. 1182, titled “An Act Strengthening the National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System to Accelerate Agriculture and Fisheries Development,” aimed at enhancing support services for farmers, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
The proposed measure seeks to improve the delivery of extension services, including access to modern technologies, training, research-based knowledge, and institutional support, to help boost productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness in agriculture and fisheries nationwide. By strengthening coordination among national government agencies, local government units, academic institutions, and the private sector, the bill aims to ensure that innovation and best practices reach grassroots communities more effectively.
As part of the legislative process, position papers are being requested from all sectors across the Philippines, including farmers’ organizations, fisherfolk groups, academe, local governments, civil society, and industry stakeholders. These inputs will help lawmakers assess sectoral concerns, identify gaps in the current extension system, and refine the proposed measure to better respond to on-the-ground realities.
Lawmakers emphasized that broad participation is essential in crafting a responsive and inclusive policy that supports food security, rural development, and livelihood generation. The strengthened extension system envisioned under Senate Bill 1182 is expected to play a key role in empowering producers and accelerating inclusive growth in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
The Senate encourages stakeholders to actively engage in the consultation process by submitting their position papers, underscoring the importance of collective action in shaping policies that will impact the country’s agricultural future.
Full copy of Senate Bill 1182 can be read here. END #leyteinitiatives #evchub8
