Sen. Bam Lauds Kiko's Appointment as Presidential Adviser on Agriculture

Senator Bam Aquino lauds the appointment of former senator Francis "Kiko" N. Pangilinan as Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization, saying his experience and competence fit the mandate and position.

"I am confident that he will be able to push through with the needed reforms and modernization plans to achieve inclusive growth in the agricultural sector," said Aquino, chairman of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

Aquino added that he and Pangilinan share the same view, believing in "inclusive supply chains" and "farmers are also entrepreneurs".

"Senator Kiko and I have talked about programs that start at the farms and end with food at the table. His programs and mine are complementary," the senator said, adding that Pangilinan's experience in running his own farm is a plus for his new position.

"In our previous meetings, we have talked about future convergence points and partnerships that will enable farmers to grow their production, their market and their livelihood," Aquino added.

Aquino committed to help Pangilinan work for innovative tools and technology that "will bring back the richness of our agricultural sector and for our own sustainability as a nation" through legislative measures.

Pangilinan served as senator for 12 years. He was also Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Food and the Committee on Social Justice and Rural Development.