Senator Cynthia A. Villar, keynote speaker in the recently concluded PCAARRD Recognition and Awarding Ceremony in commemoration of its fourth anniversary, acknowledged PCAARRD’s contribution in catalyzing Philippine agriculture, aquatic and natural resources (AANR) sectors toward self sufficiency and global competitiveness.
In her keynote message delivered by her son Congressman Mark Villar, Senator Villar valued PCAARRD’s contribution in terms of programs for science and technology-based research and development for the AANR.
Senator Villar likewise acknowledged the numerous times she has worked with PCAARRD as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food.
Speaking on the importance of the Committee, Villar said that she had pursued for its chairmanship in her desire to improve the plight of famers and fisherfolk who are among the country’s poorest sectors.
As chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Food, Villar led the review of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) and completion of the implementing rules and regulations of the Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization Law (AFMECH).
The review of AFMA seeks to fructify the billions of peso spent for agriculture modernization-related programs and projects particularly in the farm mechanization aspect. AFMECH and its IRR, on the other hand, seeks to promote the development and adoption of modern, appropriate, cost-effective and environmentally safe agricultural and fisheries machinery and equipment.
Villar’s chairmanship of the Agriculture and Food Committee contributed to the amendment of the Fisheries Code of 1998 and the Sugar Cane Industry Development Act of 2014. She has also sponsored Senate Bill 2675 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Act of 2015 and Senate Bill 2831 or the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2015.
Senator Villar said that the abovementioned legislative measures are necessary specially with the economic integration under the ASEAN Economic Community which is to start at the end of this year.
Touching on the theme of the event, Enhancing Alliance, Optimizing Outcomes, Villar emphasized the need to work together towards a collective goal and shared vision for the agricultural sector.