President Marcos has declared July of every year as Philippine Agriculturists' Month.
Marcos made the declaration through Proclamation No. 544 to honor the dedication of agriculturists and raise awareness on the significance of the agricultural sector.
"The celebration of the Philippine Agriculturists' Month will engage professional agriculturists in agricultural advocacy, policy research and formulation and provide an avenue for enterprise-building, communications training, and community development," Marcos said in the proclamation which was signed on May 10.
The proclamation also noted the contributions of agriculturists and highlighted their importance through a dedicated month that "will honor their hard work and dedication, and raise awareness about the significance of the agricultural sector in enhancing nationwide agricultural productivity and competitiveness."
Government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and its Board of Agriculture were directed to lead, coordinate, and supervise the observance of the Philippine Agriculturists' Month and identify the programs, activities, and projects for the annual celebration.
The proclamation also stated that all agencies and instrumentalities of the national government including government-owned or -controlled corporations, government financial institutions, state universities and colleges as well as local government units and the private sector were told and encouraged to render the necessary support and assistance.
According to the two-page document cited the Manila School of Agriculture for paving the way for agriculture to formally become an educational course in the Philippines.
It was established in July 1989 to provide theoretical and practical education to skilled farmers and overseers, and promote agricultural development in the Philippines by means of observation, experiment and investigation towards deeper awareness and understanding of Philippine agriculture.