President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his commitment on Wednesday to enhance the agricultural productivity of the Philippines as he urged members of the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) to enliven the legacy that his father has started for the organization.
Speaking at the 70th Founding Anniversary of the FFF in Quezon City, President Marcos said the administration will continue prioritizing the agricultural sector, which serves as the backbone of the Philippine economy.
“I wish to reaffirm one of the top priorities of this administration, which is the enhancement of our agricultural productivity, the guarantee of our food supply, the affordability of our food supply, and our lessening dependence on importation. This includes pursuing policies that will support and protect the overall welfare of our farmers, our fishers, our manufacturers, and the consuming public,” President Marcos said.
“This administration is steering the growth of our fisheries and farming industries with urgency,” he added.
The President said he is optimistic that the administration can propel the country’s agri-fisheries sector with the substantial budget of PhP85.88 billion for 2023, and the proposed PhP92.40 billion allotment this year.
The President emphasized that he will also pursue all efforts to strengthen the various associations and cooperatives “so that they can provide business and investment opportunities to their beneficiaries” in the Philippines.
The chief executive, who is also the concurrent Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA), also highlighted that the department has allocated PhP4.73 billion as an investment of the large-scale agriculture and fishery mechanization and modernization.
“This will definitely elevate the standard of living, improve the lives of the farmers and our fishers and that of their families…You have my assurance that the government is striving to implement efficient mechanization strategies to reduce post-harvest losses and to ensure the optimal yield at an affordable cost,” President Marcos said.
“Another priority is to increase the exportation of our agricultural products, which has been an essential driver in the competitiveness of our economy,” he added.
President Marcos explained that all of the plans, programs and priorities of the administration are now in the pipeline due to the constant cooperation of the farmers’ groups such as the FFF with the government and their genuine service to the farmers and the local communities.
“You have solidified your presence over the past seven decades, and I eagerly anticipate an even deeper collaboration, given our shared commitment. I thus enjoin all the men and women of FFF
to continuously take part in supporting and empowering our farmers and fisherfolk,” President Marcos said.
“I look forward to your endeavors that will contribute to our shared vision of “Bagong Pilipinas” and help us march towards achieving a food- and nutrition-secure Philippines,” the chief executive added.
President Marcos graced the 70th Founding Anniversary of the FFF in Quezon City on Wednesday where he lauded the efforts of the organization to elevate and empower the voices of small farmers, fisherfolk and rural workers in the country.
The chief executive said the noble pursuit of the FFF is what his father and namesake, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., believed in.
He also recalled how his father championed the cause of the FFF and expressed his unwavering support to them as he emphasized that it was because of they “shared a common goal of advancing social reform and rural development in the Philippines.”
“Indeed, this is the kind of uplifting synergy that we in government anticipate from our private sector partners — who ardently champion social justice and actively contribute to our nation’s socio-economic advancement” the President said. PND
