Manila, Philippines — NO HONOR, NO COUNTRY, NO SHAME
This was how farmer advocate Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco described the situation after the Senate Committee on Agriculture hearing scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, was canceled, where farmers were supposed to present their concerns.
In a Facebook post, the farmer advocate expressed disappointment, saying farmers spent weeks preparing for the hearing in order to craft statements and relay their grievances before the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
She added that many of them adjusted their schedules and traveled long distances to Manila in hopes that the Senate would finally hear their concerns.
However, on the very day of the hearing, they were reportedly informed that it had been canceled due to the leadership reshuffle in the Senate.
Because of this, Chef Waya said farmers lost an important opportunity to present their experiences and recommendations to the government.
She added that there was no sufficient justification for the wasted time, money, and especially the hopes of the farmers.
The farmer advocate also criticized senators, claiming that they only prioritized themselves, particularly their personal ambitions and interests.
Senator Kiko Pangilinan, who was supposed to lead the committee hearing, apologized for the cancellation.
According to the senator, the Senate reshuffle affected all committee chairmanships, resulting in the cancellation of the hearing.
However, Pangilinan assured the public that he would continue pushing for the advocacy of farmers and fisherfolk in the Senate should he remain chair of the committee.
Chef Waya accepted Pangilinan’s apology.