Manila, Jan. 26 -- Sen. Francis Pangilinan on Monday called for structural reforms to strengthen farmers' and fishers' organizations, saying agriculture modernization needs effective extension services and strong cooperatives at the grassroots.

Pangilinan, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform, made the statement as the panel conducted a public hearing on Senate Bill Nos. 389 and 1183, or the proposed Agricultural Cooperatives Act, and Senate Bill No. 1182, or the National Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System Act.

Pangilinan said efforts in 2012 and again in 2024 to organize vegetable and fruit farmers failed to prosper despite weeks of training and support from the Department of Agriculture ...