Ex-DA chief backs farmer group in polls

DAVAO CITY—Former Agriculture Secretary Domingo Panganiban has endorsed the Ang Agrikultura Natin ay Isulong (AANI) party-list group, stressing the need for farmers to be represented in Congress.

Panganiban, in a statement sent by e-mail, said the group would be pushing for reforms and legislation that would benefit the sector.

Based on its primer, AANI said it is a party that promotes grassroots education campaign for the “prioritization of agriculture for food security and clean, sustainable renewable fuels.”

“The party has engaged in numerous activities such as fertilizer price discounts, comprehensive education and outreach programs and upland farmer livelihood,” the AANI primer added.

For Panganiban, the party would be pushing for government support for the agriculture sector.

“Government should help the farmers have bigger yield and better prices for their produce,” he said.

Panganiban said the party, among others, aims to wage and support campaigns that will improve the quality of life of farmers in the countryside; give farmers access to practical and cost-effective farming methods and technologies; and encourage participation of farmers in decision-making.

AANI, formerly named Kapatiran Para sa Kaularan sa Kanayunan (KPKK), was organized in 2003. Inquirer Mindanao