President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has vowed to enhance agricultural productivity of the country, which was among the legacies of his late father, Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Sr, during his term as president of the country.
“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,” the Chief Executive said in his speech during the 70th anniversary of the Federation of Free Farmers held in Quezon City today, October 25, 2023.
The President has expressed optimism that present administration can propel the country’s agri-fisheries sector with the substantial budget of P85.88 billion for 2023, and the proposed P92.40 billion allotment this year.
“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,” the Chief Executive stressed.
“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.
The President remembered how his father supported the cause of the farmers that led to the growth of the agriculture which became the source of envy of Philippines’ neighboring countries in Southeast Asia decades ago.