Kiko brings food justice campaign to Bulacan

Senatorial candidate and former senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan continued his campaign trail in vote-rich Bulacan province on Tuesday, 8 April, spotlighting his legislative agenda on food security and farmers’ welfare.

Pangilinan’s motorcade began in Plaridel and traveled through key areas in the province before culminating at the New Malolos City Hall, where he was set to hold a mini rally at the City Hall Amphitheater.

In Plaridel, Pangilinan was warmly welcomed by Mayor Jocell Vistan, Vice Mayor Lorie Vinta, SK Federation President Aimee San Gabriel, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan. He also met with local government employees and expressed his gratitude to the farming and fishing communities of the town.

“Almost all the agricultural land here is planted with rice. There's also a strong livestock industry — cattle, carabao — and a wide range of vegetable production like ampalaya, okra, sitaw, and tomatoes,” he said in Filipino. “The local market is thriving thanks to fish catch supported by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.”

Pangilinan, who authored the Sagip Saka Act, reiterated how the law enables national and local governments to purchase food directly from farmers and fisherfolk without public bidding, ensuring they receive fair prices while helping stabilize food supply chains.

“Together, let’s ensure there’s enough support and income for those who feed the nation. I salute you, Plaridel,” he said.

From Plaridel, the motorcade passed through the Plaridel-Malolos border, A. Mabini Street, Sumapa Ligas Road, and Brgy. Dakila before ending at the New Malolos City Hall.

Pangilinan’s campaign rally later in the evening was set to feature musical performances by Chito Miranda, Pinky Amador, Spongecola, Color It Red, Bayang Barrios at Ang Naliyagan Band, and Darren Espanto, who popularized the Kiko Sa Puso Ko dance challenge.

“Bring your friends — there’s something special prepared for a night filled with music, dance, and fun as we push forward together for more affordable food and better opportunities for all,” Pangilinan said.

As the May 2025 midterm polls draw near, Pangilinan continues to emphasize his proposed Libreng Almusal program, which aims to provide free breakfast to public school students from daycare to senior high school to help reduce learning gaps and address rising dropout rates.

He affirmed that the program would also source half of its food supply from local farmers and fisherfolk, in line with the goals of Sagip Saka, reinforcing his platform of linking food security with agricultural empowerment.

Pangilinan reiterated his belief that hunger transcends politics and that addressing food insecurity should be a national priority.

“Food should not be a privilege — it is a right,” he said. “Lowering food prices must be our priority, and I’m ready to work with anyone to make that happen. Hunger has no color, and neither should the solution.”