President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. made renewed commitment on Friday to improve the country’s agriculture sector, particularly in Camarines Sur.
“Naniniwala ako sa potensyal nitong baguhin ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino kaya naman po ay ilang beses ko nang nabanggit na kailangan talaga nating tutukan ang [pagpapalago] ng inyong sektor,” President Marcos said during the distribution of Land Titles and Support Services and Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, Families, in Pili, Camarines Sur.
“Ngayong araw, magbabahagi ang Department of Agriculture ng mga kagamitan sa pagsasaka tulad ng butil ng palay at mais, mga bagong traktora, mga pautang mula sa agri-negosyo program,” he said.
The President said the long term plans of the Department of Agriculture (DA) include the construction of farm-to-market roads, expansion of fishery and agricultural lands, improvement of irrigation system and other infrastructures that support agriculture value chain.
The DA is also pushing for science-based and climate resilient farming technologies, as well as the construction of agro-processing facilities in Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries Development areas.
Also part of DA’s initiatives include extending financial assistance to farmers such as loans, insurance, in addition to enticing investors to put their money in Philippine agriculture sector for capitalization.
The government is also focusing on improving the fishery sector of Camarines Sur, President Marcos said, noting the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is providing fisherfolk with three units of motorized Fiber Glass Reinforced Plastic boats.
“Sa mga nakatanggap ng presidential assistance, gamitin ninyo ito upang mas mapalawig pa ang inyong mga sakahan, palaisdaan, at ang mga negosyo,” the President said.
“Huwag kayong mahihiyang lumapit samin sa oras ng pangangailangan, lalong-lalo na kung ito ay [makatutulong] at [makabubuti] sa inyong mga kalagayan,” he said.
According to the Chief Executive, the national government will provide more than 617 farm machineries and equipment worth PhP20.66 million to prop up the province’s agriculture production.
He also reported the completion of eight farm-to-market roads that will be vital in linking farmers and consumers.
In addition, there are nine farm-to-market roads that are being constructed in different parts of the Bicol region, he said.
With a population of more than two million, Camarines Sur’s major industries are agricultural production (farming and fishing) and tourism.
Among its agricultural products are rice, corn, coconut, sugar, and abaca. PND
