Aside from the limitations and hardships brought on by the pandemic, farmers and fisherfolk are constantly being challenged by the impact of calamities and disasters, especially during and after the wrath of typhoons.

Farmers, fisherfolk, and livestock breeders and growers are now being supported by the Department of Agriculture’s (DA’s) Quick Response Fund, benefitting over 17 million agrifolk, according to the latest data.

“Now that we are beginning to see the shape of the new normal, I assure you that this administration is one with you in fulfilling our goals and targets for the agricultural sector,” President and Agriculture Secretary Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. expressed during the opening of Agrilink/Foodlink/Aqualink Trade Fairs 2022 at World Trade Center in Pasay City yesterday, Oct. 6.

“The government has provided inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, machineries, equipment, facilities as well as fingerlings and livestock to help our farmers, our fisherfolk, and our livestock growers....Of course, we also have the Quick Response Fund, which we use to aid our farmers in times of disasters and calamities. So far, the government has released a total of 1.54 billion pesos that benefitted more than 17 million farmers and fisherfolk,” he added.

Marcos also mentioned other DA initiatives such as expanding irrigation projects, establishing KADIWA outlets, creating food logistics hubs and agri-trading centers, as well as organizing and aiding cooperatives and associations for the procurement of reefer vans, freezers, chillers, and other logistical support to help farmers efficiently transport their products to the consumers.

“This government has likewise provided various forms of assistance such as the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance with disbursements totaling more than P590 million and the Fuel Discount Program for Farmers and Fisherfolk, which alleviates the effects of high fuel prices, to the tune now of P320 million for our farmers and our fishermen,” he continued.

The president vowed to continue supporting the agriculture people, especially when they need assistance the most.

“Our farmers, our fisherfolk, our livestock farmers and breeders—the great unsung heroes of our nation. Because of them, we have food on our tables. Because of them, we have the sustenance we need to pursue our endeavors for the betterment of our nation,” he stated.

“At the worst of times, particularly during droughts, during storms, and other disasters or calamities, we not only encounter insufficient supply and inflation but also run the risk of an insufficient food supply,” the chief executive further stressed.

Meanwhile, Marcos highlighted the importance of the trade fair event, which has been paused because of the pandemic.

“This is once again the first time that we have been able to do it and very important and very timely it is, too, considering the situation that we find ourselves in together with other countries in terms of food supply, in terms of food prices, in terms of inputs to the agricultural sector—all of these shocks that we have been feeling,” he emphasized.