President Marcos has assured Filipinos that their concerns are being heard as he plans to boost the country's agricultural sector because "great numbers" achieved by the Philippines mean nothing as long as there are hungry Filipinos.

"The hard lesson of this last year has made it very clear that whatever current data proudly bannering our country as among the best-performing in Asia, means nothing to a Filipino, who is confronted by the price of rice at P45 to P65 per kilo," he said in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 22.

"Bagamat maganda ang mga istatistikang ito, wala itong kabuluhan sa ating kababayan na hinaharap ang realidad na mataas ang presyo ng mga bilihin, lalo na ang pagkain — lalo’t higit, ng bigas (While these figures are good, it means nothing to our fellowmen who continue to face the reality that the price of commodities are high— especially of rice)," he added.

According to Marcos, he commiserates with the people who continue to be burdened by the high price of basic goods.

"Alam kong damang-dama ninyo ito. Hindi natin winawalang-bahala ang inyong mga hinaing at hirap na dinaranas (I know that your suffering. We are not ignoring your plight)," he said.

Despite the challenges, the President noted how the country achieved a high rice production rate in the previous rate, reaching over 20 million metric tons, the highest figure since 1987.

With this, the Chief Executive vowed to continue the government's support for the agricultural sector to expedite, make quick, and boost the production rate.

This past year, Marcos said the government has distributed over 100 million kilos of seedlings and fertilizer to farmers.

In addition, the President said they have distributed over 500 million fingerlings and 3,000 fishing boats to fisherfolk across the country.

"Nakakatulong din ang mga ginawa at inayos na mga fish ports at cold storage upang masuportahan ang kanilang industriya (The newly built and renovated fish ports and cold storages have helped support the fishing industry)," he said.

Meanwhile, President Marcos said the government is ready to distribute vaccines against the African Swine Fever to save farmers from losses.