Camille Villar draws agri sector endorsement, vows more support for farmers

PANGASINAN –  Senatorial aspirant Camille Villar received a significant boost to her campaign on Thursday as she was formally endorsed by Samahan ng Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) President Rosendo So, who hailed her long-standing commitment to uplift the agriculture sector.

Speaking during Villar’s campaign sortie across several towns in Pangasinan, So praised the Las Piñas congresswoman for her active involvement in pushing for farmer-friendly policies, drawing comparisons to her parents — former Senate President Manny Villar and current Senator Cynthia Villar — both known advocates for agricultural development.

“For the past years, whenever the farming sector needed help, it wasn’t just her mother, Senator Cynthia Villar, whom we could rely on — Camille has always been there as well,” said So.

“Laws must go through both Congress and the Senate, and Camille has shown consistent support. With her in the Senate, we know we’ll have a champion for agriculture.”

Villar pledged to champion more legislation aimed at revitalizing the country’s agriculture, poultry, and livestock industries.

Among her top priorities is the creation of a Livestock, Poultry, and Dairy Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, a proposed measure that mirrors the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund currently in place for the rice sector.

This comes as part of a broader legislative effort, marked by the Senate’s passage in August 2024 of Senate Bill No. 2558, which seeks to strengthen the development and competitiveness of the livestock, poultry, and dairy industries.

The bill also aims to streamline the functions of relevant government agencies and institutionalize a dedicated fund to support these sectors. A counterpart measure is still pending approval in the House of Representatives.

Villar also credited the passage of Republic Act 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law, to the joint efforts of lawmakers like her mother, underscoring the family’s track record in defending farmers against illegal activities such as smuggling, hoarding, and profiteering.

“Our farmers deserve consistent, long-term support. Agriculture is a pillar of our economy and our communities,” Villar said.

“If elected to the Senate, I will ensure that their voices continue to be heard and their needs addressed.”