Manila: Agriculture, social protection, and education reforms will be at the forefront of legislative priorities in the 20th Congress, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and congressional leaders agreed on 44 key measures under the Common Legislative Agenda during the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting in Malaca±ang.

According to Philippines News Agency, the top priorities include amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law and the Fisheries Code aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of farmers and fisherfolk. Additionally, proposed changes to the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act are included.

In the realm of social protection, the agenda features amendments to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Universal Health Care Act, along with the proposed Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Act and the creation of a National Center for Geriatric Health.

Education-related priorities focus on enhancements to the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act, reforms on student and teacher assistance in private schools, and initiatives to improve teacher professionalization.

Energy and environmental security are also emphasized, with measures including the Waste-to-Energy Bill, the Department of Water Resources bill, amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), the National Land Use Act, and an excise tax on single-use plastics.

Governance and transparency initiatives are highlighted by the Progressive Budgeting Act, the Right to Information Act, amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act, and a comprehensive review of the Local Government Code.

President Marcos emphasized the urgency of amending the Local Government Code and Rice Tariffication Law, describing these as ‘critical to improving governance efficiency and protecting agricultural competitiveness.’

The legislative agenda also encompasses digitalization, disaster resilience, economic reforms, and institutional modernization as part of its comprehensive scope.

Both the Executive and Legislative branches aim for these 44 measures to address immediate challenges while setting the stage for long-term development.