Senator Kiko Pangilinan praised organic agriculture as a vital public health strategy to address the growing incidence of respiratory and lifestyle diseases among Filipinos, emphasizing how naturally grown produce helps reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and promotes healthier communities.
As keynote speaker at the 7th PH Natural & Organic Products Expo (PNOPEX) and the 11th Organic Agriculture Month kick-off, Pangilinan reaffirmed his advocacy for strengthening organic farming as a science-driven and people-centered approach that safeguards both farmers and consumers.
“Nandun na rin ‘yung sustansya, ‘yung bitamina, ‘yung minerals, at siyempre ‘yung enzymes ng matamis-tamis na lasa. Alam natin, ang organic hindi lang masustansya, mas masarap pa,” the veteran legislator pointed out.
Drawing from his own journey as a long-time organic farmer, the seasoned lawmaker shared how his experience managing a learning site in Cavite shaped his belief that healthy soil and chemical-free produce directly contribute to the well-being of families and communities.
“Para masiguro ko ang kalusugan ng aking mga anak – nagsimula akong mag organic vegetable farming.”
“Para masiguro ko ang kalusugan ng aking mga anak – nagsimula akong mag organic vegetable farming,” the senator said.
He emphasized that organic agriculture not only improves health outcomes but also enhances the livelihoods of farmers by reducing input costs and increasing market value.
The domestic organic market has expanded to billions of pesos, as more communities embrace organic farming and farmers gain the skills to cultivate sustainably.
Pangilinan, who authored the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, also highlighted the role of the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), a community-based certification institutionalized under the said law. The PGS eliminates the costly process of third-party certification and enables small farmers to access local markets more easily, strengthening grassroots participation and ensuring credibility in organic production.
He also noted the need to protect the soil and ecosystems that sustain agriculture.
“Pag sobrang kemikal ang ginagamit na pestisido at fertilizer, patay ang lupa.”
“Pag sobrang kemikal ang ginagamit na pestisido at fertilizer, patay ang lupa. At pag patay na ang lupa, apektado ang buong ecosystem,” Pangilinan warned.
In closing, he urged both national and local governments to intensify their commitment to organic agriculture by expanding support systems, investing in farmer training, and institutionalizing programs that will make organic farming more accessible and sustainable across communities.
“Bisitahin natin ang ating organic farms and let us know how we can continue to support ang sektor ng high-value crops ng ating bansa,” Pangilinan concluded.
