AGRI Party-list Representative Manoy Wilbert Lee has filed a measure to amend Republic Act No. 9729, or the Climate Change Act of 2009, to enhance the representation of farmers and fisherfolk in decision-making bodies related to climate policy.

“The destruction brought by past calamities highlights the vulnerability of our agricultural communities to climate change. Alam natin ang trahedyang idinudulot ng mga kalamidad sa ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Pagkatapos masalanta ang kanilang kabuhayan, walang naiiwan sa kanila kundi utang at lalong pagkalubog sa kahirapan,” said Lee.

“We must ensure that those who are most affected by disasters, particularly our farmers and fisherfolk, have a stronger voice in crafting policies that directly impact their livelihoods and well-being,” the Bicolano lawmaker added.

In filing House Bill No. 11499, AGRI Party-list said that while RA 9729 established the Climate Change Commission and other measures to address climate impacts, the law falls short in guaranteeing direct representation of farmers and fisherfolk in climate adaptation and disaster preparedness planning.

“Section 5 of the Climate Change Act must be amended to include provisions for active participation from the agricultural sector. It is not enough that the agriculture secretary is on the advisory board. We must have representatives who know firsthand the experiences and the needs of those on the ground,” AGRI Party-list said.

“There should be another seat on the advisory board reserved for farmers and fisherfolk. This is not just about mere representation. It is about having an informed decision-making process,” it added.

As currently written, Section 5 of RA 9729 only stipulates that at least one of the sectoral representatives from either the academe, business sector, or nongovernmental organizations shall come from the disaster risk reduction community.

“Ang ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda at local food producers ang pangunahing apektado ng climate change. Anumang polisiya ukol dito ay kailangan nilang masuri at mapag-aralan. Dapat mapakinggan ang kanilang boses dahil nakasalalay dito ang kanilang kabuhayan, kita at kinabukasan ng pamilya,” AGRI Party-list said.

“Giving them a literal seat at the table will shift how our climate policies are shaped, making them more comprehensive and grounded in real-world challenges. This change is a crucial step in fostering resilience within the agricultural sector,” it added.

AGRI Party-list, which is running for reelection in the 2025 National and Local Elections, then urged the immediate enactment of a measure expanding crop insurance coverage to protect the livelihood of farmers who lose their hard-earned crops every time a calamity hits.

AGRI Party-list is the principal author of House Bill (HB) No. 7387 which seeks to expand the services of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) and encourage private sector participation in agricultural insurance.

HB 7387 was approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading in March 2023, and is now pending in the Senate.

“Bawasan natin ang pangamba ng ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda at local food producers na itinuturing nating ‘food security soldiers’. Sa proteksyon sa kanilang kabuhayan at pagsusulong ng tiyak nilang kita, mas ma-e-engganyo silang taasan ang produksyon, na magpaparami ng supply at magpapababa sa presyo ng bilihin, kung saan panalo ang sambayanang Pilipino,” AGRI Party-list said.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ryan Ponce Pacpaco