By Nimfa L. Estrellado Rep. Mark Enverga (center) heads committee discussions on policies designed to help farmers and open more opportuniti...
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| Rep. Mark Enverga (center) heads committee discussions on policies designed to help farmers and open more opportunities for young people in agriculture. (Mark Enverga) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - As concerns grow over the future of Philippine agriculture, the House Committee on Agriculture and Food led by Cong. Mark Enverga met on Monday, November 18 to discuss plans to strengthen the country’s weak coffee industry. The panel also reviewed new initiatives aimed at guiding more young Filipinos into agriculture as the nation’s farming workforce continues to age.
Enverga, who has long pushed for stronger support for farmers, said improving the coffee industry is important for the country’s food security. He added that getting more young people involved in agriculture is just as important for the future of rural communities.
During the meeting, lawmakers discussed several bills and proposals aimed at improving the coffee sector, including efforts to create national development programs, establish research and training centers, expand financial and technical support for farmers, and develop coffee hubs across the country. Another legislative plan seeks to declare Sultan Kudarat as the Coffee Capital of the Philippines to highlight its growing role in national coffee production.
Enverga said these initiatives are needed because the Philippines currently produces only about 60,640 metric tons of coffee a year—far below the nearly 200,000 metric tons the country needs. Low farm productivity also remains a problem, with farmers producing an average of only 0.54 metric tons per hectare.
The committee also reviewed a wide range of youth-focused bills aimed at increasing participation in agriculture. These proposals include improving access to training, capital, land, and livelihood support for young Filipinos, as well as plans to create youth agricultural hubs, expand entrepreneurship programs, offer incubator farms, and strengthen support for youth-led agri-business projects.
Lawmakers highlighted the urgency of these efforts because the average Filipino farmer is now 55 to 59 years old, and fewer young people are choosing to work in agriculture. Under the leadership of Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, the committee said it will continue crafting policies that support farmers and open more opportunities for young Filipinos who want to build a future in agriculture.
Enverga said the House is committed to building a stronger and more productive agriculture sector that provides better opportunities for Filipino families. He added that cooperation among government agencies, local communities, and industry groups will be important in making these goals a reality.
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