Senate Pushes Creation of AGRICOM to Strengthen Philippine Agriculture Sector

The Senate is considering the establishment of a Congressional Commission on Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Security (AGRICOM) aimed at conducting a comprehensive review of the country’s agriculture and fisheries sectors to address long-standing challenges and improve national food security.

Under Senate Bill No. 1624, authored by Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Senator Imee Marcos, the proposed AGRICOM will be tasked to undertake a nationwide assessment and performance evaluation of the Philippine agriculture and fisheries sector.

The commission seeks to identify systemic issues and recommend key policy and legislative reforms to make the sector more competitive on a global scale.

The proposed commission will be composed of 10 members, with five from the Senate and five from the House of Representatives. Each chamber will ensure representation from the minority bloc among its appointees.

In addition, the measure provides for the creation of an Agriculture and Fisheries Legislation and Policy Advisory Council, which will serve as a technical and advisory body to support the work of AGRICOM.

The council will be composed of experts and stakeholders, including three representatives from state universities and academic institutions with equal representation from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao; two members from government agriculture and fisheries agencies; two representatives from local government units; and two members from civil society organizations.

According to the bill, AGRICOM will have a term of up to three years, during which it is expected to produce policy recommendations, legislative proposals, and strategic frameworks aimed at revitalizing the agriculture and fisheries sector and ensuring sustainable food security for the country.

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