Senator Kiko Pangilinan has filed a resolution urging the Senate to investigate how rising fuel prices are affecting agricultural and fisheries production across the country.
Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, introduced Senate Resolution 346 to examine both the economic impact and the readiness of government agencies to provide timely support to farmers and fisherfolk.
The resolution highlights several areas of concern, including the effect of higher fuel costs on farming and fishing operations, irrigation, and the transport of commodities.
It also points to the pass-through of fuel expenses to fertilizers, pesticides, feeds, and other agricultural inputs, as well as the adequacy of existing programs for food producers.
Another key focus is the availability and mobilization of government funds to cushion the impact of global oil market shocks, alongside the preparedness of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to deliver assistance. Policy and legislative measures to strengthen resilience in the agriculture and fisheries sector are also on the table.
Pangilinan stressed that the inquiry is meant to safeguard both producers and consumers.
He said the goal is to ensure the industry can withstand external shocks and that support mechanisms are firmly in place.