Amid recent controversies surrounding the development of Mindanao, former senator Kiko Pangilinan emphasized the region’s potential to become the Philippines’ “food basket.”

“We need to turn our attention to agriculturally rich regions like Mindanao to achieve food security and lower food prices. Mindanao should be a priority in our efforts to not only meet domestic demands but also boost agricultural exports,” he said in Filipino.

Running on a platform focused on food security, Pangilinan visited Mindanao over the weekend to highlight the region’s need for adequate attention, funding, and logistical support to become the country’s leading producer of food.

“As one of the main producers of rice and vegetables in Agusan del Sur, Bayugan City plays a crucial role in strengthening agriculture in the province. Together with the local government, we will continue working for honest and genuine governance, affordable and delicious food, and stronger support for farmers and the agricultural sector,” he stated.

Pangilinan also visited Pigdaulan, Butuan City, for an ocular inspection and dialogue with agricultural cooperative leaders. He shared his past work in the Senate, including funding for the Sagip Saka program, which provided training assistance to cooperatives in Butuan and a grant to the PPVR Producers Cooperative.

“Upon returning to the Senate, we will further strengthen support for our farmers and other sectors to ensure affordable and quality food for all,” he said.

He also engaged with senior high school students at Father Saturnino Urios College-Bayugan for a forum titled “Pagkain at Edukasyon Para sa Lahat: A Forum on Agriculture and Food Security,” thanking the Diocese of Butuan Education System for the opportunity to discuss food security and the role of agriculture in shaping the future.

Pangilinan stressed that supporting farmers and strengthening the agricultural sector will ensure affordable, quality food for all Filipinos, contributing to a better future for the next generation.

As the author of the Sagip Saka Act, which allows governments to buy produce directly from farmers without public bidding, Pangilinan explained how the law can empower Mindanao’s agriculture sector.

He cited the recent Operation Sagip-Kamatis in Nueva Ecija, where 12 tons of oversupplied tomatoes were saved and purchased by local government units, such as Muntinlupa City and private businesses.

“This is where the Sagip Saka Act comes in. LGUs in Mindanao can apply the same model, benefiting industries like tuna canning factories in Zamboanga, where farmgate prices are at an all-time high,” Pangilinan added.

He acknowledged the progress Mindanao has made but stressed the need for a deliberate government policy that puts the region at the forefront of food security efforts.

“Mindanao is vast and diverse, and it deserves unhindered government support,” Pangilinan emphasized.

As the former food security secretary during the Aquino administration, Pangilinan helped reduce rice prices by up to P3 per kilo and lowered rice inflation from 15 to 0.8 percent, contributing to the lowest national inflation rate in two decades.