By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Cynthia Villar said that having a bountiful harvest will generate more jobs and will encourage Filipino youth to go back to farming.
“If there is assurance of income in agriculture, the young people will go back to agriculture and many OFWs will be encouraged to go home and be with their families because they can earn here,” Villar said.
In her speech during the Opening of the Philippine Food and Beverage Expo 2024, Villar said that the farmers can also compete in the global market through exporting local products.
Furthermore, she said that if local products such as vegetables, fruits, livestock, poultry, and dairy are readily available at affordable prices, restaurants, markets, and supermarkets, manufacturers, importers, and consumers can have their supply of the raw materials for their food and beverages.
The said event was attended by over 300 local growers and entrepreneurs in the Food and Beverage industry.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Cynthia Villar has spearheaded efforts to establish rabies-free communities by providing free rabies vaccines for dogs and cats in the cities of Las Piñas and Bacoor.
Highlighting the severity of the issue, Villar pointed out that over 300 people succumbed to rabies last year.
“Rabies stands as the most acutely fatal infectious disease transmitted through bites of stray dogs and cats. Despite the availability of rabies vaccines, it remains a pressing public health concern,” Villar emphasized.
She further noted, “The incidence of rabies is particularly prevalent in Metro Manila and its surrounding areas.”
The initiative witnessed the participation of 150 pet owners during the 4th Leg of “Libreng Kapon at Ligate” for dogs and cats held before the end of March. This quarterly activity aims to foster responsible pet ownership.
“We are advocating for proper animal care, ensuring that our pets do not pose a nuisance to others. Pet dogs or cats should always be kept on a leash or under the supervision of a responsible adult when outside their premises. Moreover, responsible pet owners are expected to clean up after their pets and minimize excessive barking,” Villar emphasized.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Cynthia Villar remains steadfast in her commitment to safeguarding the fisheries industry, ensuring both food security and sustainable livelihoods for fishermen.
“Fishing activities must be managed in a manner that mitigates adverse effects on fish stocks and ecosystems,” Villar emphasized during the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 3rd Fisheries Management Area Summit in Cebu City.
Villar underscored the importance of collaborative efforts, stating that BFAR requires support from local communities, and expertise from various government agencies, regional organizations, and NGOs to effectively manage the intricate marine ecosystems that sustain fisheries.
One of Villar’s notable contributions is her advocacy for the passage of Republic Act 10654, amending RA 8550 (Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998), enacted on February 27, 2015. The amended law imposes stricter penalties for illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF).
“The amended law prohibits the fishing, capture, trade, and transportation of aquatic species listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES),” Villar highlighted.
(el Anigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla announced that a total of five senators have signed a manifestation objecting to the Senate’s arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
The senators who signed are Senators Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos, Bong Go, JV Ejercito, and Padilla himself.
Padilla also disclosed that he had conversations with Sens. Grace Poe and Raffy Tulfo, who provided explanations for their decision not to support his attempt to halt Quiboloy’s detention.
Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Senators Nancy Binay, Pia Cayetano, and Mark Villar are among the other committee members who have not yet taken a position on the matter.
Earlier, Sen. Risa Hontiveros cited Quiboloy in contempt for failing to attend any of the Senate hearings on the alleged child abuse and human trafficking involving the pastor.
Villar expressed her familiarity with Quiboloy, describing him as a good person.
“Kaibigan ko si Pastor Quiboloy. Mabait siya sa aming pamilya…Matagal ko na siyang kilala. Parang ‘di naman siya ‘yung gagawa ng ganon. Kami ni Imee pareho naming siyang kilala. Pati ‘yung mga Mindanaoan. Maayos naman siya… nakakahiya naman na ako pahuhuli ko siya. Diyos ko. You don’t do that to a friend,” Villar said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Cynthia Villar on Friday (01 Mar 2024) said that ease of doing business in the Philippines is what the country needs to be able to attract foreign investors and not amendment to the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
“Palagi nilang sinasabi na economic provisions [ang babaguhin] pero yung economic provisions na sinasabi nila, minor eh. Hindi naman importante. If you want to improve the economy, we can just legislate what we need to improve,” Villar said.
“Kasi ito yung sinasabi ng mga businessman…actually ang problema nila is yung ease of doing business at saka yung corruption. ‘Yun lang ang bawasan, okay na tayo,” Villar added.
The deliberations on the constitutional reform are being conducted in the Senate and its counterpart in the House of Representatives.
This country’s bicameral Congress is made up of the House and the Senate, and the 1987 Constitution is silent on whether or not they should vote together in a constituent assembly.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Cynthia Villar has urged the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) during the Department of Agriculture – Phil Rice Annual Review of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed and Extension Programs to support Filipino farmers to be more competitive.
“I am sponsoring the Rice Tarification Law (RTL) extension bill and I look forward to PhilRice’s support on this,” Villar said.
“When RTL started in 2019, inbred palay production per hectare has been consistently going up from – 3.66 tons per hectare in 2019, 3.95 tons in 2020, and 2023, 4.19 tons, because of the distribution of high-quality inbred seeds to farmers, by PhilRice,” the chairman of Senate agriculture and food committee said.
Through the RTL, PhilRice was being mandated to lead the RCEF Certified Seed Development, Propagation and Distribution Program and co-lead the RCEF Extension Program.
RCEF Rice Program has also synergized and strengthened the local farmers into seed producer cooperatives to support and participate in nationwide high-quality seed production and trade.
At present, there are 164 inbred seed varieties and 15 are new varieties developed by PhilRice under RCEF, the lawmaker said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Cynthia Villar has called upon the youth to actively assume the role of guardians for the environment.
“You will inherit this ecological treasure. Please educate yourselves about its unique biodiversity, which you can proudly claim as your own,” emphasized the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
Villar also urged the youth to leverage social media as a platform to raise awareness about environmental protection.
In addition, the senator commended the Las Piñas youth who participated in a coastal clean-up.
“I salute you for dedicating time to protect the environment and preserve our natural resources. I hope it becomes a habit for you to engage in such activities,” she remarked.
Furthermore, Villar encouraged the Christ the King Church Youth Group to sustain their active participation in the church, urged young athletes partaking in the Villar Cup to enhance their sports capabilities, and advised artists and dancers to continue enriching their talents.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Cynthia Villar has voiced her unwavering support for entrepreneurs, emphasizing that endorsing their products plays a pivotal role in bolstering the economy.
“Your purchases and support for their products serve as investments in the sustainable future of our local businesses, communities, and economy,” she stated during the 23rd World Bazaar Festival on Thursday.
“While perusing and making purchases at the World Bazaar, let the knowledge that your choices contribute to ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya’s vital work in our communities inspire you,” she added.
Senator Villar expressed gratitude to the sellers and exhibitors for showcasing their finest products and contributing to the economy.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the sellers and exhibitors for presenting their exceptional products and making significant contributions to our economy. We wish you continued success in your entrepreneurial ventures,” Villar concluded.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Cynthia Villar took the lead in spreading holiday cheer by organizing a gift-giving event for children in Baseco.
Her son, Senator Mark Villar, and husband, former Senate President Manny Villar, joined her on the festive occasion.
Fifty children from Baseco gathered from their homes in Tondo, Manila, and were transported to the Villar Children’s Farm in Bacoor City.
The senator explained that this Christmas party is an annual tradition, continuing the Villar family’s commitment to giving back and sharing blessings.
“Christmas is a special time, especially for children. This event is our family’s way of contributing to the joy of the Filipino people,” Villar expressed.
“We hope that through this celebration, we can bring happiness to the kids and their families this holiday season,” she added.
Senator Villar also expressed her wish for the Baseco children to create lasting and fond memories during their time spent with the Villar family, leaving smiles on their faces.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
Senator Cynthia Villar is offering free castration, spaying, and anti-rabies vaccinations for pet dogs and cats in Las Piñas and neighboring Bacoor.
Villar aims to address the increasing population of stray animals and curb the spread of rabies, a persistent public health issue causing 200–300 fatalities annually in the nation.
Expressing her commitment to continuing this initiative, Villar highlighted that the stray animal issue extends beyond Las Piñas and Bacoor, as she has discussed similar challenges with other congressmen, congresswomen, and mayors.
Implementing this program in Las Piñas and Bacoor is her proactive solution to prevent further exacerbation of the country’s stray animal problem.
Senator Villar also referenced Republic Act 9482, the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, which places the responsibility on pet owners to ensure their dogs receive anti-rabies shots.
Over 150 individuals have already taken advantage of the program titled “Libreng Kapon at Ligate Para sa mga Aso ng Las Piñas/Bacoor.”
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Cynthia Villar has called on the public to favor local products to bolster the economy and generate employment and additional income for the people.
“They aim to provide jobs and additional income to our people in Laguna,” Villar stated on Monday during the Association of Laguna Food Processors (ALAFOP) Calabarzon Food Solutions Hub (CFoSH) event in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
She commended ALAFOP for uniting processed food manufacturers to enhance their collective strength. Since its inception in 2009 with just 12 members, the group has grown to 79.
ALAFOP offers a diverse range of products, including coconut virgin oil, coconut sugar, mulberry wine, mulberry jam, mulberry juice, coconut skim milk, lemongrass hydrosol, lemongrass oil, Filipino snacks, and desserts, as well as turmeric beverages and turmeric powder.
“The products of Market MSMEs should be made accessible to more and larger markets,” Villar emphasized.
(ai/mnm)
The “Forum at Kamuning Bakery” in Quezon City on Monday distributed a total of 100 thousand pieces of pandesal to residents and passersby in celebration of World Pandesal Day.
Shown in the photo are Senator Cynthia Villar (second from left) and FKB organizer Wilson Flores personally handing out pandesal breads to the community members and those passing by the area. This heartwarming event was part of the WPD event.
(Report and photography by Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
TWO senators want to realign the P50-million confidential funds of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to anti-smuggling bodies to address this issue.
This was the statement of Senators Cynthia Villar and Raffy Tulfo after learning that the DA was given millions of confidential funds under the National Expenditure’s Program (NEP).
According to Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, P50-M will be allocated for “enforcement” and “smuggling.”
Tulfo questioned this and said that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) should be the agency to respond to smuggling.
“I-surrender ninyo na lang po at ibigay ninyo na lang po sa ibang mga agency na nangangailangan tulad ng Coast Guard. Siguro kailangan natin dahil palaging nagkakaproblema tayo sa West Philippine Sea,” Tulfo said.
Villar supported Tulfo’s statement and added that it is not within the DA’s mandate to address smuggling.
“The enforcement agency against smuggler and cartel…would be coming from the law enforcement agency, not DA,” the senator said.
(ai/mnm)