TRECE MARTIRES CITY — Administration-backed senatorial candidates belonging to Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas on Friday laid out their plans to protect Cavite’s agricultural lands as they addressed concerns about urban expansion and the dwindling availability of farmland in the province.

Speaking at a press conference in Cavite, Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino, former DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo and former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos stressed the need for a national land use policy, government support for farmers, and incentives to keep farmland from being converted into residential and commercial developments.

Tolentino pointed out that while a national land use policy has been pending in Congress for several terms, local governments have the authority to implement their own land use plans.

“Matagal na pong naka-pending since the 15th Congress, 16th Congress, 17th Congress ‘yong National Land Use Plan pero sa ilalim ng Local Government Code talagang may poder at kapangyarihan ang bawat pamahalaang local na mag-implement ng sariling land use plan,” he explained.

Tolentino noted that Cavite has a Comprehensive Land Use Plan in place and acknowledged the balance between urban development and agricultural preservation.

“So sa urban sprawl po na nangyayari ngayon hindi talaga maiiwasan ‘yan … you still have the upland farms in Maragondon. You still have the upland farms in Ternate, in Magallanes, in General Emilio Aguinaldo, even in Silang,” he said.

Tulfo, for his part, expressed optimism that a National Land Use Law could finally be passed in the upcoming 20th Congress, particularly with several senators hailing from Cavite who could champion the measure.

“Mas malaking chance ang Land Use Act sa 20th Congress. Tatlo pong senador galing po sa Cavite. I am sure baka mukhang mababago na po, malalapitan na po ang mga tao sa Congress,” he said.

He also highlighted the economic struggles of farmers as a key reason why many are forced to sell their lands.

“Pangalawa po, the reason why ‘yong mga tao napipilitan na ibenta ang kanilang mga lupa because there is no support sa mga farmers natin. Ano ang gagawin, papaano ka magtatanim kung wala ka namang pantanim? Wala kang pera, wala kang support, kailangan mo mangutang, tinamaan pa ng bagyo ‘yong lupa mo, tinamaan ng peste, what will you do?” he said.

He then compared the situation of Filipino farmers to their counterparts abroad as he called for subsidies and incentives to ensure that agriculture remains a viable livelihood, preventing further farmland conversion.

“Kasi hindi po tulad sa ibang bansa mayaman po ang farmers … Sa atin ‘yong farmers natin, mga kalabaw ang ginagamit,” he said. “Kaya kailangan po talagang sustain, tulungan, subsidize ang mga farmers natin para may incentive po sila (para) ‘wag ibenta ang lupa po nila,” he added.

Abalos, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of food security and self-sufficiency, advocating for tax incentives to encourage landowners to maintain their agricultural lands.

“Importante na kung maaari huwag na tayong mag-import ng anumang agricultural products and on our own, self-sufficient. And to do this, naniniwala ako that kung ano man ang natitira, not only for Cavite, ito’y sa buong Pilipinas. They should be incentivized. Saan po ‘yon? Sa pag bayad ng buwis,” he said.

He also stressed the need for infrastructure investments to support farmers, including irrigation systems and other agricultural facilities.

“Kung ikaw ay may lupang pangsaka at kikita ka, makikita mo hindi mo na gagawing subdivision. Itatabi mo na lang ‘yan para gawing agriculture ground,” he said.

The Alyansa slate also Makati Mayor Abby Binay, Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Senator Pia Cayetano, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Senator Lito Lapid, Senator Imee Marcos, former Senator Manny Pacquiao, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto, and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar.

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Ryan Ponce Pacpaco