In order for the Philippine agricultural sector to significantly contribute to economic growth and national development, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said efforts to enhance it must be hastened, according to the Presidential News Desk (PND).

In a statement, it said Marcos also urged other stakeholders to support his administration’s objectives.

Speaking at the opening rites of the Agrilink/Foodlink/Aqualink Trade Fairs 2022 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, the President said initiatives to improve the sector, as well as the plight of the Filipino farmers and fisherfolk, have only just begun.

“We are presently only playing catch-up,” he was quoted as saying. “We have allowed the agriculture sector to diminish in its importance and in its contribution to our GDP (gross domestic product), our contribution to the welfare of ordinary citizens, ordinary Filipinos.”

“And that is why it is important that we accelerate all our efforts.” Marcos continued. “And occasions such as this are just the highly appropriate times for which we can remind ourselves that what we are doing is not only growing crops, not only expanding fisheries, not only helping our livestock growers, but what we are is feeding a nation.”

If the Philippines has a strong agricultural foundation, he claimed, it may achieve stability and prosperity as a country in addition to assuring a sustainable supply of food.

The Chief Executive said the government can collaborate with many partners through this year’s trade expo to achieve its objective of reviving the agricultural sector.

“Through the conduct of trade events like this, we seek to improve the agricultural value chain and aid in the overall development of the small and medium-scale enterprises in the agribusiness sector through the creation of market opportunities,” he said.

“Trade events like Agrilink, Foodlink, and Aqualink help us support our farmers and our fisherfolk. We empower them to become catalysts who will contribute to the recovery and inclusive growth of our economy,” Marcos stressed.

He added that after the pandemic’s crippling impacts, the Philippines is now moving toward rebuilding better alongside the people. The government has given farmers, fishermen, and livestock growers inputs including seeds, fertilizers, machinery, equipment, and facilities as well as fingerlings and livestock.

Marcos also said the government has increased irrigation projects, opened KADIWA stores, built food logistics hubs and agri-trading facilities, and helped cooperatives and organizations acquire reefer vans, freezers, chillers, and other farming-related logistical support.

He added that the government also offered several types of relief, paying out more than P590 million through the Financial Assistance to Rice Farmers program and P320 million through the Fuel Discount Program for Farmers and Fisherfolk. Additionally, it includes a Quick Response Fund that is easily accessible to help farmers during emergencies and disasters.

According to Marcos, the government has already distributed P1.54 billion to more than 17 million farmers and fishermen.

Photo Credit: Philippine News Agency Official Website