Press Release - For Food Security: Robin to Help Defend DA's 2024 Budget

To help ensure the country's food security, Sen. Robinhood "Robin" C. Padilla vowed on Monday to do his part in ensuring the Department of Agriculture's budget for 2024 gets the nod of lawmakers.

Padilla, in his message at the DA's flag-raising ceremony, also urged the DA to support new Secretary Francisco Laurel Jr. in his efforts to give Filipinos the gift of food security.

"Sa darating na panahon, sa usapin ng budget ninyo, kasama akong magdedepensa diyan. Kaya po sana suportahan natin ang bago nating kalihim sa kanyang pakikibaka, sa inyong pakikibaka sapagka't walang pinakamagandang regalo tayo sa ating mga kababayan kundi ang sapat na pagkain (When the time comes, when your budget will be deliberated on, I will help defend it. And let us support our DA secretary in his efforts, because there is no greater gift for our fellow Filipinos other than sufficient food)," he said.

He also lamented that while the Philippines is an agricultural country, he cannot understand why the agriculture sector cannot progress.

Padilla stressed the government must make food security a top priority. "Maghanap muna tayo ng paraan para magkaroon tayo ng sapat na pagkain (Let us find ways to ensure food security)," he said.

During his message, Padilla noted Laurel is a close friend who supported him when he visited islands in the West Philippine Sea - having lent him the vessel he used in his visit.

He said that while neither he or Laurel pulled strings to get into the government, God gave them the responsibility to serve.

"Pero ito po ang mga bagay na ibinibigay ng Panginoong Diyos dahil marahil nasa kanya pong intensyon ay makatulong po kami sa inyo. Ngayon hindi po kami makakagawa kung hindi nyo po kami tutulungan (These are things God has given us. It is His intention that we help the people. But we cannot do this alone, if you don't help us)," he said.

Para sa Food Security, Tutulungan ni Robin Idepensa ang 2024 Budget ng DA

Para tiyakin ang sapat na pagkain o food security, nangako nitong Lunes si Sen. Robinhood "Robin" C. Padilla na tutulong siya sa pagdepensa sa 2024 budget ng Department of Agriculture.

Sa kanyang mensahe sa flag-raising ceremony ng DA, iginiit din ni