Marcos expecting agri-tech takeaway from ties with Taiwan —Bello

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos wants the Philippines to strengthen ties with Taiwan and benefit from its agriculture technology, Manila Economic & Cultural Office (MECO) chairperson Silvestre Bello III said on Friday.

At the Laging Handa public briefing, Bello was asked about the directives of Marcos in handling the office that represents the Philippines in Taiwan.

"Very simple ang direktiba niya (Marcos), through the Executive Secretary, that is to strengthen our economic and cultural ties and to take advantage of yung ating relasyon by getting 'yung mga technology nila, especially sa agriculture...," Bello said.

(Marcos’ directive is very simple, that is to strengthen our economic and cultural ties and to take advantage of our relationship with Taiwan by getting their technology, especially in agriculture.)

At present, the President is serving as the chief of the Department of Agriculture (DA), as the sector faces several problems.  The move highlights the fact that the administration regards agriculture  a "high priority." 

On Monday, Marcos  met with officials and discussed urgent matters in the agriculture and fisheries sector, including the food supply and demand outlook and important programs for the sector.

Bringing down the price of rice to P20 per kilo was among Bongbong Marcos' "expressed aspirations" during the campaign period. —LBG, GMA News