SEN. Bong Go has called on the younger generation to 'engage in agriculture to help the country's economy towards achieving food security.'The chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth, made the call on Friday, Jan. 31, in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat where he raised the importance of food security and agricultural development as he extended help to farmers there.The senator also underscored the need to continue government support for the agriculture sector.In a statement, Go said he was dedicated to 'uplifting the agriculture sector towards helping the country overcome challenges on food security.'During his visit, he distributed food packs, shirts, vitamins, and snacks to about 1,000 beneficiaries. Select beneficiaries also received basketballs, volleyballs, bicycles, cellphones, watches, and shoes as additional support.Go vowed to continue advocating for measures that supports small-scale farmers.He urged the concerned agencies to coordinate with other stakeholders 'so that small-scale farmers receive the necessary support and recognition for their contribution to the nation's food security and economy.'Go co-authored Republic Act (RA) 11901 or the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development Financing Enhancement Act of 2022, which improves access to credit for farmers and fisherfolk, and helps them become more competitive and resilient.He filed Senate Bill (SB) 2117 advocating for comprehensive crop insurance protection, and SB 2118, which seeks to improve insurance coverage and services for farmers affected by natural disasters if enacted into laws.Go said he would pursue measures that would sustain the distribution of agricultural inputs such as drought- and flood-resistant high-yielding seeds, animal dispersals, fertilizers, machinery, and solar-powered irrigation to increase agricultural productivity.He pushed the establishment of more farm-to-table farmers' markets nationwide to provide agricultural producers with avenues to sell their goods directly to consumers at farm-gate prices.Go at the same time sought the creation of a national Farmers' and Fishers' Pension Fund to provide financial security for elderly farmers and fishers.
