President Marcos said that no Filipino would experience hunger under a “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines) as he promised a revitalized agriculture sector wherein farmers are equipped with modern agricultural knowledge and sufficient support from the government.

Marcos said this as he led the the ceremonial palay harvesting in Barangay Mandili in Candaba, Pampanga, where he also distributed various assistance such as hauling trucks, seeds, and financial assistance, among others to more than 12,000 farmers and ten farmers’ cooperatives and associations.

In his speech on Saturday morning, Feb. 3, Marcos asked the public to cooperate as this will lead to a better Philippines where no one is left behind.

“Ang ating pagtutulungan na mapaunlad ang ating sektor ng agrikultura ay isa lamang sa mga pangunahing hakbang tungo sa pagbuo ng isang Bagong Pilipinas— kung saan walang nagugutom (Us helping each other in improving our agriculture sector is one way of forming a New Philippines where no one will go hungry),” he said.

To realize this vision and to ensure sustainable harvest, President Marcos assured farmers of government support in all of their endeavors, such as through the distribution of high-quality seeds.

He likewise commended the farmers for their hard work and dedication, which led to an increase in rice production in the Philippines in 2023.

“Ang inyong dedikasyon, sakripisyo at sipag ay tunay na nagsisilbing inspirasyon sa ating lahat (Your dedication, sacrifice, and hard work inspire us all),” Marcos said.

“Ang inyong mga kamay – na masigasig na nagbubungkal ng lupang inyong sinasaka – ang siyang nagbibigay ng buhay at sigla sa ating sambayanan (Your hands that meticulously toil the lands give life to our country),” he added.