President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said the government is working to transform agriculture into a modern, tech-driven sector that appeals to the youth, encouraging more young Filipinos to pursue a career in farming.

Speaking with farmers and stakeholders in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, President Marcos acknowledged that as Filipino farmers and fisherfolk are growing older, new technologies are needed to improve harvests.

“Paano natin gagawin ‘yun? Eh ang nakakaunawa at mga talagang practitioner, ika nga, ng high-tech agriculture, intensive and extensive na type of agriculture, ay ang mga kabataan. Sila ang magtuturo sa atin ng mga bagong teknolohiya,” the President said.

President Marcos emphasized the need to change the prevailing mindset that farming is a dead-end career.

“Medyo hindi natulungan ang agrikultura nang matagal. Wala tayong agricultural policy masyado nang napakatagal. Kaya sasabihin ng mga bata, ba’t tayo papasok diyan? Wala nang pupuntahan ‘yan, hanggang diyan na lang ‘yan,” said the President.

“Ngayon, babaguhin natin lahat ‘yan. Ngayon, may pag-asa na. Makikita nila mayroong pagpaganda ng kanilang hanapbuhay bilang magsasaka at sila’y babalik sa pagsasaka,” the President stressed.

The Chief Executive said the youth would find the agricultural industry interesting, as long as their efforts are producing results.

“Basta may nakikita silang resulta. Kaya sa aking palagay, ‘yun ang ating puwedeng gawin. At para sa mga mas nakakabata ay sasabihin nila interesting ito, interesante ito,” the President said.

President Marcos expressed confidence that once the younger generation appreciates farming better, Filipino diligence would kick in and help them overcome challenges in the industry.

“Kahit na may kahirapan talaga nang kaunti, siyempre kailangan masipag ang lahat. Masipag naman ang Pilipino. Kahit naman ‘yung mga bata, masipag naman talaga,” he stated. | PND