Marcos confident Philippines will become leading agri resource hub

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday expressed confidence that the Philippines will be a leading agricultural resource hub in the world.

“With our energies and resources combined, I am confident that we will not only achieve our goal of feeding the Filipino people, but also achieve our dream of making the Philippines a leading agricultural resource hub in the region and the world,” Marcos said during the opening of Agrilink, Foodlink, and Aqualink 2022 in Pasay City.

The event, held at the World Trade Center, is the country's premiere international trade exhibition in agriculture, food, and aquaculture.

“Huwag natin pong kalimutan ang ating pangarap para sa ating mga minamahal na kababayan. Sana wala ng gutom na Pilipino,” said Marcos, who is also secretary of the Department of Agriculture.

(Don't forget our dreams to our fellow Filipinos, that no one among them will get hungry.)

This year's edition of Agrilink will focus on Caraga Region, which is known for being a strong producer of high-value crops such as cacao, coffee, and abaca.

Marcos said now is the time to again lay the path for the country’s agricultural industrialization.

“This is a good first step for all of us to once again introduce ourselves to each other and to find the way forward with the new global economy,” he said.

In an interview with reporters, Agriculture Undersecretary Kristine Evangelista stressed the importance of market linkage to assist farmers.

"This is an activity that is actually pushing agri-business. 'Yan din po ang thrust ng Department of Agriculture kasi sabi nga po natin 'yung ating mga magsasaka, kailangan tulungan natin para maging negosyante," Evangelista said.

(This is an activity that is actually pushing agri-business, which is the thrust of the Department of Agriculture, as we believe that we need to help farmers to be entrepreneurs.)

Marcos also acknowledged farmers, fisherfolks, and the country's livestock farmers and breeders during the event, calling them the "great unsung heroes of our nation."

"Because of them, we have food on our tables; because of them, we have the sustenance we need to pursue our endeavors for the betterment of our nation," Marcos said.

Marcos guaranteed that his government is in unity with the goals and targets of the agricultural sector.

"We will build ourselves back better together with the people who have been our bedrock of strength and of sustenance, even the most challenging times," he said.

The President also mentioned his administration's assistance and projects for the sector, including irrigation projects, KADIWA outlets, food logistics hubs and
agri-trading centers.

The administration has also organized and aided cooperatives and associations for the procurement of reefer vans, freezers, chillers, and other logistical support to help farmers transport their products to the consumers, he said.

"This government has likewise provided various forms of assistance such as the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance with disbursements totalling more than 590 million pesos and the Fuel Discount Program for Farmers and Fisherfolk, which alleviates the effects of high fuel prices, to the tune now of 320 million pesos for our farmers and our fishermen," Marcos said.

The President also mentioned the Quick Response Fund being used to aid farmers during calamities: "So far, the government has released a total of 1.54 billion pesos that benefitted more than 17 million farmers and fisherfolk."

Marcos also said there is a need to continue opening more opportunities to improve the wellbeing of those who are in the agriculture sector. He added that its strengthening is equivalent to strengthening survival and life.

"So it is my hope that as we engage in the exchange of ideas and learn from one another during this trade fair, we will also commit ourselves to once again synergizing our efforts towards the country’s agricultural and economic productivity," Marcos said.   —KBK, GMA News