Duterte vows aid for farmers in last years of term

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday vowed to prioritize farmers in his remaining years in office.

Speaking at the 31st Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) anniversary celebration, the President said he was intending to increase government budget for farmers to further improve their plight.

“You can count on it — maybe this year… Our highest budget is for education, followed by the DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways]. Maybe in these last years, I can lift farmers up,” he said, speaking partly in Filipino.

The President previously pushed for measures to improve the condition of farmers, including providing free irrigation to those with landholdings of 8 hectares or less.

He has also reminded Land Bank of the Philippines to provide easy and affordable agricultural credit support for farmers and fishermen.

On Tuesday evening, the President also witnessed the distribution of the remaining portion of land in Hacienda Luisita to agrarian reform beneficiaries.

READ: Gov’t to distribute remaining portions of Hacienda Luisita land to farmers

/atm