Former Secretary of National Defense and senatorial candidate Gilbert (GIBO) Teodoro supports the modernization of the agriculture sector to improve farmers’ productivity and make local produce more affordable.

Gibo Teodoro said modernizing the agriculture sector will help to increase the yield of farmers, improve the quality of their harvests, and compete with low-priced imported agriculture products.

The former Tarlac representative and 1989 bar top notcher said that although the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization law is in place to promote innovation in these sectors, investments for modernization remain low due to the high cost of machines and equipment, complex loan applications, and access to training.

Gibo Teodoro, who has vast experience in both the public and private sector, also said farmers would be encouraged to invest in modernization if the retention limit on agricultural land will not restricted to five hectares. He added that farmers will not buy expensive machines if they are not able to expand their farmland.

“Modernization will usher the country in transforming its agriculture sector. While it will help to raise the productivity and income of farmers, this will also support the country’s goal in achieving food security,” the senatorial candidate said.