President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Department of Agriculture (DA) secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., on Saturday met farmers, local government leaders, and DA officials in Pampanga to sustain the push for agricultural modernization and increased food production in the face of El Niño.
“We expect that this occasion will signal the steady growth not only of the rice industry, but the entire agriculture sector in the coming months. I’d like to inform you of the triumph that our sector had last year. Because of our combined efforts, we managed to harvest in 2023 a record volume of more than 20 million metric tons of rice,” the President said.
Mr. Marcos led the distribution of more than P22 million worth of farm inputs and equipment, rice seeds, fertilizer vouchers, post-harvest facilities, and financial capital to farmers cooperatives and for hog repopulation to address the adverse impact on the industry of the African Swine Fever.
With the assistance of the DA, the President distributed P5 million warehouse with mechanical dryer, P11 million assistance for hog repopulation programs, P1 million for working capital of two farmer groups, P3 million to provide multi-purpose cooperative working capital and funds for the purchase of hauling trucks, and P1.3 million for the distribution of certified rice seeds to 600 farmers at a rice field in Candaba.
He attributed the 1.5 percent increase in rice production last year to the DA’s distribution of better rice seeds and fertilizers.
Because of the record harvest last year, the country managed to lower the volume of imported rice to 3.5 million metric tons (MT) from 3.8 million MT in 2022.
While the challenge this year to increase food production is the prolonged dry spell, the President said interventions are underway to mitigate its impact.
In addition, the government will distribute more solar-powered irrigation systems to provide a steady supply of water to an additional 180,000 hectares of rice land with an estimated yield of 1.2 million MT of palay.
Mr. Marcos said the government has set aside P31 billion this year for DA’s national rice program, which plans to spend for post-harvest facilities, extension services, research and development, and irrigation services.
In addition, farmers stand to benefit from the P10 billion set aside for Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) in 2024 to purchase machinery and equipment, rice seeds, extension service and credit assistance
The distributed rice harvesters were funded from RCEF funds.
Eradicating hunger
Mr. Marcos likewise assured the public that under the rejuvenated agriculture sector, the administration will fix the problem of hunger in the country.
During his address at the ceremonial palay harvesting and assistance distribution in Candaba, Pampanga, the President highlighted the significance of collective effort to achieve a better Philippines where everyone moves forward together.
“Our collaborative efforts to develop our agriculture sector are just one of the key steps toward building a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’—a nation where hunger is eradicated, and everyone actively works towards a more prosperous future,” he said in Filipino.
President Marcos pledged government support for farmers in all their endeavors, emphasizing that every seed planted will contribute to a solid foundation for a plentiful future.
He personally led the distribution of various forms of assistance, including hauling trucks, seeds, and financial aid to over 12,000 farmers and 10 farmers’ cooperatives and associations.
The President commended the hard work and dedication of the farmers, attributing the increase in rice production of the Philippines in 2023 to their efforts and the government’s distribution of high-quality seeds.
“To our beloved farmers, your dedication, sacrifices, and diligence truly serve as inspiration for us all. Your hands, diligently tilling the land you cultivate, breathe life and vitality into our nation,” Mr. Marcos said.
