Senator Kiko Pangilinan welcomed the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) initiative to expand its workforce by hiring more agriculturists, calling the move a crucial step toward strengthening the country’s food security and supporting the long-term growth of the agriculture sector.
Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, is reacting to the DA’s recent announcement that it is ready to hire around 23,000 licensed agriculturists for its new bureau.
“Having enough extension workers on the ground would significantly improve the DA’s programs.”
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said that having enough extension workers on the ground would significantly improve the DA’s programs.
“Ito’y matagal na natin panawagan kaya naman we welcome this move by the DA to hire more agriculture graduates because our farmers and fisherfolk need the expertise and hands-on guidance of trained agricultural professionals,” the veteran legislator said.
In a privilege speech he delivered last August about the state of the country’s agriculture sector, the seasoned lawmaker stressed the need to tap some 25,000 graduates of academic degrees in agriculture from state universities and colleges, other government schools, and local universities.
The senator said they can occupy the 2,500 vacancies in the DA “as the first step to address extension services and strengthen agricultural cooperatives.”
He added that deploying additional agriculturists across provinces and municipalities will help farmers access updated technologies, climate-resilient practices, and the proper support needed to improve yields and increase profitability.
Pangilinan has current proposed measures to renationalize the DA’s extension services and strengthen agricultural cooperatives to empower farmers and fisherfolk, and provide them with the necessary government assistance.
However, he urged the DA to ensure that the hiring process is complemented with continuous training and sufficient field resources. He also said that the agency must offer competitive compensation packages that recognize the importance of technical agricultural work.
“If we want to attract and retain top talent in the sector, we must provide them with the tools and incentives they need to serve effectively.”
“This is a welcome move, but it must come with sustained support,” Pangilinan noted. “If we want to attract and retain top talent in the sector, we must provide them with the tools and incentives they need to serve effectively.”
For his part, Pangilinan vowed to advance policies and legislation to uplift the agriculture sector, empower rural communities, and promote sustainable food systems.
