FARM WORK A farmer spreads fertilizer granules as he walks through his rice field in Bambang town, Nueva Vizcaya province. —KARLSTON LAPNITEN/FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has secured business agreements with two companies in China to supply Filipino farmers with affordable fertilizers, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Saturday.
During his state visit to China, Marcos spoke to business leaders from Beijing’s agricultural business sector. According to the PCO, the two Chinese fertilizer manufacturing companies entered into an agreement with the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) to ensure supplies at a lower price.
“We look forward to a steady supply of fertilizer inputs needed by our farmers through these agreements,” Marcos said.
According to Marcos, who designated himself as the chief of the Department of Agriculture, fertilizers have become expensive for Filipino farmers.
“Providing sustainable and affordable supply of inputs such as fertilizers and seedlings has become more difficult, given global economic challenges, as we have all seen in the supply chain problems that we have encountered,” he said.
The PCO explained that the government plans to buy the fertilizer from the Chinese manufacturers in bulk and sell these to farmers at a lower price.
Marcos also assured Chinese business leaders that the Philippines is “committed” to supporting China’s business activities.
“The Philippine economic management team, including the Department of Agriculture, will serve as your focal points of contact for any concerns regarding doing business and expanding your commercial footprint in the Philippines,” Marcos said in the meeting.