President Marcos on Wednesday admitted there is still a lot to be done to “fix” the country’s agriculture system.
Mr. Marcos, who is also the head of the Department of Agriculture (DA), made the remarks during the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) in Quezon City.
He underscored the need to develop and modernize the Philippines’ agri-fishery sector, which has been lagging for decades.
“This is a huge task. That’s why we need your help. The government can’t do it alone, so we need your help. We need your hard work and advice because you are the ones facing the problems of agriculture that we are going through now.”
Mr. Marcos said the government has to assess the needs of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk to increase their yield and productivity and elevate their living conditions.
“Among the many endeavors that we are pursuing is the strengthening of the various associations and cooperatives so that they can provide business and investment opportunities to their beneficiaries,” he said.
He expressed optimism for the modernization of the agri-fisheries sector with a substantial budget of P85.88 billion this year and a proposed budget of P92.4 billion for 2024.
The DA has also allocated P4.73 billion for large-scale agriculture and fishery mechanization and modernization.
AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee, meanwhile, said the support provided by the government for farmers should be insulated from politics.
“Government offers subsidies and other forms of aid to farmers. Congress allocates funds for these purposes. But it defeats the purpose because of so many requirements,” he said.
“Unfortunately, there are many instances where the benefits for farmers are not delivered because of politics,” Lee said.
Lee, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said farmers had difficulty tapping the support of the government as they grappled with multiple requirements.
The lawmaker from Bicol reiterated that “we should simplify, streamline, and liberalize the requirements so our farmers get the support they need.”
“It is important that the farmers get the support they deserve, to get the support on time and not only after the harvest season,” he said.