President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared July of every year as Philippine Agriculturists’ Month to honor the dedication of agriculturists and raise awareness on the significance of the agricultural sector.

“The celebration of the Philippine Agriculturists’ Month will engage professional agriculturists in agricultural advocacy, policy research and formulation and provide an avenue for enterprise-building, communications training, and community development,” read Proclamation No. 544, signed by President Marcos on May 10.

The proclamation also noted the contributions of agriculturists and highlighted their importance through a dedicated month that “will honor their hard work and dedication, and raise awareness about the significance of the agricultural sector in enhancing nationwide agricultural productivity and competitiveness.”

The Manila School of Agriculture, according to the proclamation, established in July 1989, will provide theoretical and practical education to skilled farmers and overseers, and promote agricultural development in the Philippines by means of observation, experiment and investigation towards deeper awareness and understanding of Philippine agriculture, thereby paving the way for agriculture to formally become an educational course in the Philippines.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and its Board of Agriculture are directed to lead, coordinate, and supervise the observance of the Philippine Agriculturists’ Month and identify the programs, activities, and projects for the annual celebration.

The proclamation also said all agencies and instrumentalities of the national government including government-owned or -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, state universities and colleges as well as local government units and the private sector are told and encouraged to render the necessary support and assistance. | PND