Presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos has called for a cohesive agricultural program for the country during his guest appearance in the Agri 2022 Online Forum on Monday, Dec. 6.
Marcos answered questions posed by the Agri Forum panelists and guests about issues on the country’s agriculture aside from sharing his personal views on matters pertaining to the agricultural sector.
The Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) standard-bearer said that the country needs a cohesive agricultural program and a comprehensive plan for our agriculture.
“We have to have a plan and right now wala pa tayong pinalalabas na plano (we don’t have a plan to show),” said Marcos, who also emphasized the need for local government units and the national government to work together for the country's agricultural programs to succeed.
He also cited the development and improvements needed in agriculture, fisheries and livestock in the country as well as the agri technology and mechanized equipment needed.
The former lawmaker added that for the agricultural sector to be strengthened it must be done on the highest national level.
“We have to strengthen it and we must go back to basics,” said the former Ilocos Norte congressman, who noted that talented and skilled people are needed to work in the agriculture sector.
He lamented the fact that some farmers are discouraging their children from going into agricultural jobs because of the low income it provides.
The former Ilocos Norte governor also stressed that the country must have a strategic food supply to meet our food demands and put an end to our dependence on importation from outside sources.
Marcos also called for the suspension of the rice tariffication law which he said has caused ‘unintended consequences’ for rice farmers.