Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food chairperson Senator Cynthia Villar said a bountiful harvest of agricultural products will mean lesser need to import them.
“Since they are locally available,” Villar noted, “we can provide a ready market for our farmers.”
In her speech during the Opening of the Philippine Food and Beverage Expo 2024, the veteran legislator related that our farmers can also compete in the global market via exports.
“An abundant harvest in our agriculture will generate more jobs in the countryside.”
The seasoned lawmaker also noted that an abundant harvest in our agriculture will generate more jobs in the countryside.
The lady senator said this will promote rural development that will help the country’s economic growth.
“If there is assurance of income in agriculture, the young people will go back to agriculture and many OFWs will be encouraged to go home.”
“If there is assurance of income in agriculture, the young people will go back to agriculture and many OFWs will be encouraged to go home and be with their families because they can earn here,” she stressed.
Furthermore, Villar said that if local products such as vegetables, fruits, livestock, poultry and dairy are readily available at affordable prices, restaurants, markets and supermarkets, manufacturers, importers and our consumers can have their supply of the raw materials for their food and beverages need.
“That is food security,” she told the crowd at the food expo which is now on its 16th year.
The event held at World Trade Center in Pasay City was organized and spearheaded by the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization (PHILFOODEX), a leading food industry association.
It was attended by over 300 local growers and entrepreneurs in the Food and Beverage industry which showcased to traders, buyers, and the everyday Filipino consumer the best of Filipino produce. The EXPO ran from April 12-14.
