Marcos eyes government-to-government deals for fertilizer purchase

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is eyeing to pursue government-to-government talks to address the soaring prices of fertilizers.

Marcos, who sits as Agriculture chief, expressed belief that the government could purchase cheaper fertilizers through government-to-government deals. He is considering communicating with China, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Russia for the procurement of fertilizers.

"Gusto tayong tulungan, gusto tayong lapitan, eh ‘di take advantage naman tayo, ‘di ba? Sige bigyan ninyo kami ng fertilizer na medyo maganda-ganda ang presyo. That’s the whole point of G2G,” Marcos said in his meeting with Department of Agriculture officials on Monday.

(They want to help us then let's take advantage of that. Give us fertilizers that are affordable. That's the whole point of G2G.)

"I'm thinking would it be useful for us if sulatan ko silang lahat… and I'll say that we are in the market to buy this volume of fertilizer," he added.

(I'm thinking would it be useful for us if I wrote a letter and I'll say that we are in the market to buy this volume of fertilizer.)

Marcos also tasked the DA officials to provide data regarding the source and price of fertilizers and the agency's distribution plan during the planting season.

The President has also pushed for a farm-to-market road masterplan that will, according to him, ensure food security in the country.

Marcos said the FMR masterplan will serve as a guide for the government in promoting food security and empowering rural communities. — RSJ, GMA News