MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday cited the need to accelerate the efforts to improve the country’s agricultural sector and plight of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.
In his speech at the opening of Agrilink, Foodlink, Aqualink 2022, Marcos assured that his administration is one with the agriculture sector in fulfilling its goals, citing government programs designed to help farmers and fishermen, which includes fuel discounts.
“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.
“But the work to improve our agricultural sector and improve the plight of our farmers and fisherfolk has only just begun. We need to continue to open more opportunities to improve their wellbeing,” Marcos added.
He said the Philippines is currently only “playing catch-up” in building back the agriculture sector, whose importance, he said, had been diminished.
“That is why it is important that we accelerate all our efforts,” the President said.
However, Marcos, who sits concurrently as the agriculture secretary, 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.
The Agrilink, Foodlink, Aqualink 2022, held at the World Trade Center, is the country’s premier international trade exhibition in agriculture, food, and aquaculture.