Surigao del Sur 1st District Rep. Romeo Momo Sr. (middle) greets President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Photo from the office of Rep. Romeo Momo Sr.
MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker has expressed optimism that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration can modernize agriculture with the use of technologies, while at the same time attracting young people into the sector to ensure sustainability.
In a statement on Thursday, Surigao del Sur 1st District Rep. Romeo Momo Sr. said it appears that a new day is dawning for agriculture in the country, especially with Marcos focusing on the said industry.
Momo said this after meeting Marcos on Wednesday during the Rice Industry Convergence Meeting at the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Quezon City, where the Chief Executive talked about the use of new technologies in the agriculture sector to attract young people into agribusiness and farming.
“We are ushering in a new day in a sector that faces both old and new challenges. This shows the President’s seriousness in making good [on] his promises when he took on the big role of chief executive and the agriculture chief,” he said.
“Finally, we are going to gain ground in protecting our farmers and their livelihoods,” he added.
According to Momo, an engineer by profession, it is also his dream to see young people join the industry as the future of the country’s agriculture sector rests on the next generation.
READ: New farming technologies may attract youth to farming– Bongbong Marcos
“It is also my dream to see young people get interested and passionate about farming and agribusiness. Who would inherit our country’s rich agricultural history if the youth will continue turning their backs on it?” he asked.
“Hopefully, the President’s initiative of using technology in agribusiness can make farming a viable investment opportunity for the Filipino youth,” he added.
From his campaign to his term as President, Marcos has stressed the need to focus on the country’s agriculture industry. During his first-ever State of the Nation Address, agriculture was a central theme, saying that the focus of his administration was to revive the economy and help farmers.
READ: Bongbong Marcos focus: Revive economy, help farmers
Marcos’ first-ever national budget — the P5.268 trillion 2023 General Appropriations Act — saw a 39.2 percent increase in agriculture-related allocations.
Marcos also took on the profile of the Department of Agriculture secretary to ensure that a possible food crisis is averted.
READ: Education gets P852-B in proposed 2023 budget; allocation for agri rises by 39.2%
READ: Marcos takes agri post, vows to reorganize DA
Over the months, Marcos also pushed for condoning agrarian reform beneficiaries’ outstanding loans.
For Momo, it is only high time that the agriculture sector takes center stage regarding the government’s priorities.
“Prioritizing agriculture will not only benefit farmers and those involved in agribusinesses. A resilient agriculture sector means a strong foundation for food security. From hereon, the Filipino family will have a good chance of improving their lives and bettering their futures,” he said.