Senator Francis Pangilinan on Wednesday urged the private sector to take a more active role in supporting rural development, food security, and the empowerment of farmers and fisherfolk.

In a statement, Pangilinan said the government must ensure a conducive environment wherein the private sector would be inspired to support the sector.

Pangilinan, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform asked officials of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries, to come up with measures and policies that would advance the growth of the country’s agriculture sector.

“I think that will be good moving forward, so we will strengthen our synergy with the private sector. In the end, the private sector has the deepest pocket, not really the government. But the only reason the private sector is not inspired is because the government is not inspiring,” said Pangilinan.

He cited the need for private sector participation in supporting the production of government-supported crops such as rice, coconut, and sugar, compared to the thriving products grown by private companies such as pineapples, mangoes, and bananas.

“In other words, if the government is inspiring then the private sector will be inspired. And because the private sector has the deepest pocket, then you will really see investments in agriculture,” he added.

Pangilinan said while government support remains crucial, meaningful progress can be achieved with the business community being co-champions of the country’s food producers. (PNA)