Manila, Sept. 17 -- 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 p...