Philippine agriculture, tourism need to be fixed, says Marcos Jr.

Presidential aspirant Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said there is a need to fix and empower the country’s agriculture and tourism sector.

“Kailangan nating ayusin ang ating agrikultura para may sapat tayo na pagkain para sa lahat at binawasan natin ang importasyon na galing sa labas,” Marcos said on Monday as he wooed Quezon City residents during a campaign rally at the Amoranto Sports Complex.

“Kailangan nating buhayin ang tourism industry para magkaroon uli ng trabaho para maipagmalaki na naman natin ang Pilipinas. Kailangan nating ituloy ang ating infrastructure program. Kailangan nating pagandahin ang ating internet, maraming marami po tayong kailangang gawin,” he added.

Marcos, however, did not specify how he will improve these sectors.

In his message to the crowd, Marcos maintained that unity is the answer for the country's dilemmas, especially those brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Sa hinaharap nating krisis ang kinakailangan nating unang hakbang na gawin ay magkaisa,” Marcos said.

“Tayo po ay dahan-dahang umaahon sa krisis ng pandemya ngunit kahit na tayo’y makalampas na sa krisis ng pandemya, kailangan pa rin nating harapin ang krisis ng ekonomiya na dala rin ng pandemya,” he added.

Marcos’ running mate, Davao Mayor Sara Duterte, was not in attendance due to a previously confirmed schedule, her spokesperson, Mayor Cristina Frasco said.

She appeared in a video message thanking supporters of the Marcos-Duterte tandem.

Senatorial aspirants from the BBM-Sara UniTeam were also present, including Larry Gadon, Rodante Marcoleta, Harry Roque and Jinggoy Estrada.

Other aspirants, Gilbert Teodoro and Miguel Zubiri, gave video messages while Sherwin Gatchalian was represented by his brother, Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian.

During the event, the BBM-Sara UniTeam Alliance declared support to Anakalusugan party-list Representative Mike Defensor, who is running for Quezon City mayor, as well as his running mate, former lawmaker Winnie Castelo.

In December 2021, the Marcos-Duterte tandem launched its caravan in Quezon City attended by thousands of supporters. 

Quezon City is considered a vote-rich city with around 1.2 million registered voters.

Results of the recent Pulse Asia survey showed that Marcos topped the ranking of presidential candidates with 60%. He scored above 50% in the National Capital Region (57%), Balance Luzon (61%), Visayas (53%) and Mindanao (66%) to dominate his rivals.

Meanwhile, Duterte also dominated the ranking of vice presidential aspirants with 50%. The presidential daughter was the top choice in the National Capital Region with 40%, Balance Luzon with 36%, Visayas with 47%, and her bailiwick Mindanao with 84%.—LDF, GMA News