Samahan ng Industriya ng Agrikutura (SINAG) partylist Rep. Rosendo So has endorsed Camille Villar’s senatorial bid, saying her continuous support in improving agriculture is vital for the farming sector.

Campaigning in several towns in Pangasinan on Thursday, Camille Villar vowed to support more measures that would revitalize agriculture and livestock industry.

Rep. So cited Camille has concern for the welfare of farmers, and poultry and livestock raisers — just like her parents, former Senate President Manny Villar and Sen. Cynthia Villar.

Rep. So credited to the Villars the approval last year of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law or the Republic Act 12022, which classifies agricultural smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and engaging in cartels as acts of economic sabotage.

“For the past years kasi, ang farming sector, pag may kailangan, hindi lang ang nanay niya, si Senator Cynthia Villar ang pinupuntahan, pati si Camille. Ang batas kasi kailangan i-daan sa Kongreso at sa Senado. Talagang very supportive si Camille pagdating sa agriculture, lalo na pagnakaupo na siya sa Senado,” So said in a media interview.

Camille Villar vowed to support bills such as the creation of a Livestock, Poultry and Dairy Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.

The measure is similar to the multibillion rice fund or the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.

Last August, the Senate approved on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 2558, known as the Act Strengthening Livestock, Poultry, and Dairy Industry Development and Competitiveness, Rationalizing the Organization and Functions of Relevant Government Agencies, and Creating a Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.

A similar measure has yet to hurdle the approval processes at the House of Representatives.

(Danny Bacolod)