Senatorial candidate and former food security secretary Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Monday emphasized the benefits of buying produce directly from farmers, saying the approach supports local agriculture while helping local government units (LGUs) save on food costs.

Speaking at the awarding of officers of the City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (CFARMC) in Parañaque City on 24 March, Pangilinan cited a recent initiative under his Oplan Sagip Kamatis program as an example of effective farm-to-LGU procurement.

He shared that the Muntinlupa City LGU was able to acquire tomatoes from farmers in Nueva Ecija at P25 to P30 per kilo, depending on transportation costs. This was significantly higher than the P4 per kilo being offered to farmers by middlemen, yet still much lower than the current market price of P100 per kilo in Metro Manila.

“If LGUs buy directly from farmers, the farmers can earn six times more, while the LGU spends only a third of what it would pay in the market,” Pangilinan said in Filipino. “The farmers earn, and the LGU saves.”

He added that buying directly from farms also ensures access to fresh produce and strengthens food security across communities.

“That’s what food security means,” he said. “This is how we lower food prices in a way that benefits everyone.”

Pangilinan, who is running for senator in the May 2025 elections, has long advocated for agricultural development and food security policies.