PASAY CITY – The Senate of the Philippines greenlit several landmark measures on Wednesday, February 18, aimed at uplifting the country’s most vulnerable sectors. 

During Session No. 46, lawmakers passed Senate Bill No. 1624 on final reading, establishing the Congressional Commission on Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Security (AGRICOM) to modernize and strengthen the country’s agricultural policies. 

The chamber also approved SBN-1629, which mandates the establishment of multi-faith prayer and quiet rooms in public spaces, and SBN-155, a reform measure aimed at reducing "red tape" for indigent Filipinos seeking emergency government financial assistance.

Beyond these approvals, the Senate resumed floor debates on two other priority bills. 

SBN-1508 seeks to empower the Department of Health (DOH) to directly manage hospital bed capacity to prevent overcrowding, while SBN-1822 aims to expand inclusive support systems for persons on the autism spectrum. 

These measures signal a proactive legislative push to ensure that essential government services, from food security and healthcare to social support, remain accessible and responsive to the needs of marginalized Filipinos.