President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of farmers, promising measures to boost production and raise their incomes.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Calunasan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP) in Calape, Bohol, the President emphasized the vital role they play in ensuring food security and strengthening the economy.
President Marcos assured farmers of the government’s continued assistance to enhance agricultural productivity and increase farmers’ incomes.
“Kaya para sa ating mga magsasaka ay gagawin namin ang lahat para tulungan kayo na ‘yung production ninyo ay maging mas mataas, at ang kita ninyo ay magiging mas mataas,” President Marcos said.
“We are continuing at patuloy nating ginagawa ito para pagandahin ang agrikultura natin, para pagandahin natin ang hanapbuhay ng ating mga magsasaka — para sa inyong sarili, para sa inyong pamilya, para sa inyong probinsya, para sa Pilipinas at ito’y nakakatulong sa ekonomiya natin kaya nagpapasalamat kami lagi,” the President added.
President Marcos echoed the statement of National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Eduardo Guillen, who, in separate remarks, referred to farmers as the “new heroes” of the country.
“Kung minsan sa mga lungsod, ‘yung mga bayan, hindi nila naaalala na kung wala ang magsasaka eh wala tayong kinakain. Kayo ang bumubuhay sa buong Pilipinas. Kayo ang tumitiyak na may pagkain sa hapag ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” the President stressed.
To further support local economic activity, President Marcos expressed support for the idea of transforming the Calunasan SRIP into an eco-tourism destination.
President Marcos lauded the dam’s natural beauty and strategic location, noting its potential to support both agriculture and tourism in the province.
“Sinasabi ko kay Gov. Aumentado eh lagyan natin nang kaunting bubong, nang kaunting cover dito. Ang lagay ay pang-picnic ng tao dito. Ang sarap nga naman magkape-kape dito at tinitingnan ‘yung tubig ‘di ba?,” the President said,
referring to Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado.
President Marcos also reiterated plans to upgrade the Bohol-Panglao International Airport, allowing direct international flights to the province — an initiative that will make Bohol even more accessible to foreign visitors.
“Inaayos din natin ‘yung Bohol Airport para gawing international airport para ‘yung mga turista, hindi na kailangang dadaan sa Maynila… Kung saan sila nanggaling, dere-deretso na sila dito dahil medyo inconvenient kung dadaan pa ng Maynila,” the President said.
President Marcos commended the local government and communities for preserving the province’s natural resources, particularly the forest cover and watershed areas that surround the dam. He then called on farmer-beneficiaries to take an active role in maintaining the irrigation system and safeguarding the environment.
“Sa ating mga farmer beneficiaries, ipagpatuloy niyo, alagaan niyo po ito. Alagaan ninyo ‘yung watershed at nakakatiyak ako na makakakita kayo ng ani na napakaganda dahil mayroon na tayong patubig at may suporta na tayo galing sa Department of Agriculture,” the President said. | PND
