AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee on Thursday will deliver the keynote speech at the 6th National Sardines Industry Congress and Trade Exhibit, an event Lee said highlights the importance of strengthening the partnership between the government and the private sector to develop industries that can contribute to the country’s economic development and food security.
Lee pointed out that “we have the fifth longest coastline in the world, and the bounty of our seas is one of our country’s greatest resources.”
Lee was a successful businessman before being elected to Congress, where he currently serves as the representative of AGRI Party-list that champions the rights and welfare of farmers, fisherfolk, and the entire agriculture sector.
“Our challenge is how to sustainably maximize our marine resources so that our people can reap its economic rewards while ensuring that future generations of Filipinos can also benefit from Philippine waters. Kung magawa natin ito, Winner Tayo Lahat, hindi lang ang kasalukuyang henerasyon kundi pati na rin ang susunod pang mga henerasyon.”
According to the Bicolano lawmaker, “the sardines industry and the fishing industry as a whole has the potential to contribute to employment generation and food security, two issues that concern every Filipino, especially the poor. Kung may trabaho at mura ang pagkain, nakakakain nang sapat ang pamilyang Pilipino. Kaya importante ang mga pagtitipon na ito kasi napapag-usapan kung paano natin mapapalago ang industriya ng sardinas para mas marami ang pwedeng makinabang sa ating mga kababayan.”
Organized by the Southern Philippines (SOPHIL) Deep Sea Fishing Association, Inc., the participants of the Congress will tackle the sardines industry’s latest developments, as well as discuss the concerns and issues confronting the sardines industry.
Lee was a successful businessman before being elected to Congress, where he currently serves as the representative of AGRI Party-list that champions the rights and welfare of farmers, fisherfolk, and the entire agriculture sector.
A member of the House Agriculture and Food Committee, he sits on 23 other Congressional Committees and is one of the principal authors of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, a law that helps over 654,000 farmers. He is also one of the principal authors of the recently passed Philippine Salt Industry Development Act, which is envisioned to generate thousands of new jobs in the agricultural sector.
Lee also filed the National Mariculture Program Bill and the Blue Economy Bill, which aim to generate renewable and scalable source of food for Filipino families, as well as more livelihood in rural areas and for those living in fishing communities.
From humble beginnings in Sorsogon, Bicol, where his father opened his Goodluck Store 60 years ago, Lee grew his father’s business into the LKY Group of Companies, which has interests in the retail, food, construction, real estate and hospitality sectors. LKY now has over 3,000 employees in different provinces of the country and brings growth, employment, and livelihood opportunities to towns and cities.
As a businessman, Lee earned the following distinctions: the Rokyaw Ibalnong Awards for Business and Industry, Most Outstanding Sorsogueño Award in the field of Business and Industry, and Bicol’s prestigious “Halyao Award” as Bicolano Businessman of the Year.
