Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan is calling for additional government interventions to protect farmers and fishers from the mounting economic pressures caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

During the Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) Ad Hoc Committee on Thursday, March 26, the senator warned that escalating tensions in the region are already contributing to rising global oil prices, which in turn drive up the cost of fuel, transportation, fertilizers, and other critical agricultural inputs. 

These increases, he pointed out, disproportionately affect small-scale farmers and fishers who are among the most vulnerable sectors in the country and put at risk the country’s food security goals. 

“Kakaunti na nga lang ang makikinabang, maliit pa,” he said, referring to the plan to give a one-time ₱2,325 cash aid to only four million of the 10 million registered farmers.

In the fisheries sector, only 400,000 fisherfolk out of 2.4 million are scheduled to receive cash aid. 

These are sourced from the P10-billion Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk under the 2026 budget. 

About 15,000 fishers will receive fuel assistance from the ₱150-million FY 2025 continuing appropriation, with ₱75 million each allotted to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Department of Agriculture (DA)  – Office of the Secretary.

The senator said this is a matter of national food security, warning that Filipinos’ food supply will be at risk if the country relies on imports. He added that current measures are insufficient and urged the DA to present a clear plan to support farmers and ensure sustainable production.

Pangilinan raised the possibility of tapping other sources of funds, such as the DA’s quick response fund and other available appropriations, expressing his willingness to do the necessary legislative and policy adjustments for these funds to be readily available.

“Meron bang plano ang DA to source the calamity fund because there is a state of emergency to be able to add support for the farmers and fisher sector. I would like to think and I think nare-recognize naman ng crisis committee yun, Mr. Chairperson, na number two sa priority yung food security pero mukhang hindi number two sa funding so paano natin itatapat yung priority doon sa appropriations?,” he asked. 

The senator previously urged the government to expand fuel subsidies for farmers and fishers, noting that higher fuel prices directly reduce their already thin margins. 

He also pushed for the suspension of fuel excise taxes amid the Middle East conflict, while also working to pass legislative measures such as the renationalization of agricultural extension services, the strengthening of agriculture cooperatives, and the creation of the Congressional Commission on Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Security (AGRICOM).