In a bold move to address one of the country’s most pressing agricultural issues, Kaunlad Pinoy Partylist (#133) is focused on empowering Filipino farmers to help make affordable rice prices a reality for every Filipino.

During a press conference in Davao City, Kaunlad Pinoy nominee and entrepreneur Kuya Choi shared his vision for a sustainable future in agriculture. Drawing from his 18 years of experience managing over 1,000 stores across the country, he emphasized that true economic progress doesn’t come from handouts but from empowering Filipino families, especially farmers.

“To be honest, I don’t have all the data in front of me, but one thing is clear: if we want to achieve P20 rice sustainably, we need to strengthen our farmers,” Kuya Choi said. While acknowledging the government’s efforts to lower rice prices, he stressed that these measures will only work long-term if the country stops relying heavily on rice imports.

“Importing rice isn’t a long-term solution. There will always be tariffs, transportation costs, and other expenses. But if we support our farmers, it can be sustainable,” he explained in Filipino.

At the heart of Kaunlad Pinoy’s strategy is direct support for local farmers. He said that the focus should be on grassroots solutions, bypassing bureaucratic red tape. This includes everything from providing technical training to creating market linkages for farmers.

“For the ₱P20 rice goal to work in the long run, we need to invest in local production. That means better seeds, access to technology, sustainable farming practices, and fair payment for farmers,” Kuya Choi said. “We want our farmers to succeed so they can not only meet local demand but also start exporting in the future.”

Kaunlad Pinoy isn’t just about agriculture; they also aim to boost Filipino entrepreneurship. He shared his thoughts on how many Filipino small businesses fail because they lack the right network and support.

“With Kaunlad Pinoy, we’ve brought together aspiring and established entrepreneurs to exchange ideas. It’s like the saying, ‘If your child hangs out with gamblers, they’ll become one. If they hang out with gossipers, they’ll become one, too.’ But with Kaunlad Pinoy, when entrepreneurs come together, it creates a space for sharing business tips and secrets. This way, they’re more likely to succeed,” he said. “Business is all about building a strong network.”

Kuya Choi also touched on the rise of fake products and online scams, revealing that even their organization had fallen victim. Instead of creating new laws, he proposed strengthening existing ones, particularly in cybercrime and e-commerce, to better protect Filipinos from these growing threats.

Kaunlad Pinoy is not just about policy change; it’s about empowering the community — starting with the farmers who are key to the country’s future.