Press Release - Cynthia Villar files candidacy for Las Pinas representative, vows to continue advocacy on agricultural development, environmental protection

Two-term senator Cynthia Villar filed her certificate of candidacy for representative of the lone district of Las Piñas City today, October 8,as she vowed to continue pushing for measures on agricultural development and environmental protection.

Accompanied by her husband, former Senate President Manny Villar, son Senator Mark VIllar and daughter, Deputy Speaker Camille Villar, the senator filed her certificate of candidacy under the Nacionalista Party for a post she previously held for nine years in 2001 to 2010.

"As I seek to once again represent my hometown, Las Piñas, in the House of Representatives, I intend to build on my work in the Senate, focusing on the achievement of goals for agricultural competitiveness and environmental protection," Villar said.

At the local front, Villar added that she will focus on initiatives that will generate livelihood opportunities for Las Piñeros, and push for measures on stronger and more resilient communities.

As senator, Villar chairs the Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform and principally sponsored landmark measures such as Republic Act 11953 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, RA 11598 or the Cash Assistance for Filipino Farmers Act, RA 10659 or the Sugarcane Industry Development Act, RA 11524 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, RA 10816 or the Farm Tourism Development Act, RA 10654 or the law preventing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and RA 11203, which created the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.

Villar also sponsored the recently signed RA 12022 or the Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act. Before Congress adjourned session last month, Villar also shepherded the ratification of the bicameral conference committee report on the bill amending the Rice Tariffication Law. She also worked for the enactment of 114 laws establishing multi-species marine hatcheries in different parts of the country.

As chairperson of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Villar worked to include 101 more areas under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act (RA 11038). She staunchly defended the protection of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland