President Marcos has urged a long-time farmers' federation to help the government in improving the country's agriculture sector, particularly in terms of productivity.
Stressing that the agriculture sector has long been neglected, Marcos sought the help of the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF), which was celebrating its 70th founding anniversary on Wednesday, Oct. 25.
"[H]indi kaya ng pamahalaan na nag-iisa na gawin lahat ito, kaya't kailangan po natin ang tulong ninyo, kailangan namin ang sipag ninyo, kailangan namin ang advice ninyo dahil kayo ang nakaharap sa mga problema ng agrikultura na dinadaanan natin ngayon (The government cannot do it alone, so we need your help, we need your diligence, we need your advice because you are on the frontlines of the problems the agriculture sector in facing now)," Marcos said in his speech as he graced the celebration held in Quezon City.
The President, who also serves as the Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary in a concurrent capacity, emphasized that in order to achieve a better productivity, the needs of the farmers and fishers must be addressed.
This, he said, is when the FFF comes in as he recognized the presence of the organization in supporting and empowering Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.
"Malaki pong trabaho ang ating hinaharap dahil kailangan po nating ayusin ang buong sistema ng agrikultura na napabayaan nang matagal na, mula pa siguro noong nagsimula ang agricultural reform, noong panahon pa ng aking ama (We have a huge work to do because we need to fix the whole system of agriculture which has been neglected for so long, perhaps since the start of agricultural reform during the time of my father)," Marcos said.
In return, the Chief Executive assured them that the government will ensure better lived for famers and fisherfolk by assisting them in their livelihood.
"This administration is steering the growth of our fisheries and farming industries with urgency. With a substantial budget of P85.88 billion for 2023, and a proposed budget of P92.4 billion for 2024, I am optimistic that we can propel the modernization of our agri-fisheries sector," he said.
He also cited that among the endeavors the government is pursuing is the strengthening of the various associations and cooperatives so that they can provide business and investment opportunities to their beneficiaries.
He mentioned that the DA has allocated P4.73 billion as an investment for the large-scale agriculture and fishery mechanization and modernization.
"You have my assurance that the government is striving to implement efficient mechanization strategies to reduce post-harvest losses and to ensure the optimal yield at an affordable cost," he said.
In his speech, he also acknowledged the FFF's long-standing cooperation with the government in sustaining development in agri-fisheries, agrarian reform, and agricultural cooperatives, amongst others.
"Through your programs and initiatives, you have effectively elevated and empowered the voices of our small farmers, our fishers, and rural workers, across the nation," he said, urging them to keep this legacy alive.
The FFF was founded in 1953 as a peaceful alternative to the Huk Rebellion. As an organization of farmers, by farmers and for farmers, it has been at the forefront of the struggle to liberate Filipino farmers from social, political, economic, moral and cultural oppression, among others.
At present, the FFF enjoys a mass base of about 200,000 farmers and fisherfolk, and remains as one of the largest organizations of farmers in the country.