WITH the ongoing government and private sector efforts to modernize the agriculture value chain, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. said the country is now poised to become an agriculture resource hub in Asia.
In his speech at the opening ceremonies of the Agrilink, Foodlink, Aqualink Trade Fairs 2022 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on Thursday, Marcos reiterated his administration will continue to boost its support for farmers and fisherfolks.
The assistance includes inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, machineries, equipment, facilities as well as fingerlings and livestock.
He recognized the private sector efforts to complement government initiatives by granting farmer and fisherfolk access to new ways of production and marketing of agricultural goods.
“With our energies and resources combined, I am confident that we will not only achieve our goal of feeding the Filipino people, but also achieve our dream of making the Philippines a leading agricultural resource hub in the region and the world,” Marcos said.
Such efforts, the President said, will enable the local agriculture sector to “catch up” with those from other countries after being neglected in previous administrations.
“We have allowed the agriculture sector to diminish in its importance and in its contribution to our GDP (gross domestic product), our contribution to the welfare of ordinary citizens, ordinary Filipinos,” Marcos said. “And that is why it is important that we accelerate all our efforts,” Marcos added.
Currently, he said the government has disbursed P590 million for its Rice Farmers Financial Assistance and P320 million for its Fuel Discount Program for Farmers and Fisherfolk.
The government released P1.54 billion worth of Quick Response Fund to 17 million farmers and fisherfolks to help them cope with the effects of disasters on their livelihood.
Marcos vowed to continue supporting the agriculture sector during his administration.
“The work to improve our agricultural sector and improve the plight of our farmers and fisherfolk has only just begun. We need to continue to open more opportunities to improve their wellbeing,” Marcos said.
Image credits: Nonie Reyes