President Ferdinand Marcos has paid tribute to Filipino farmers, calling them the backbone of the nation’s food security and honoring their sacrifices, as he led the Gawad Agraryo 2025 ceremony in San Juan City.

In his speech on Friday, Sept. 12, the President said the farmers’ daily struggles fuel the country’s progress.

“Bago pa man sumikat ang araw, gising na ang ating mga magsasaka (Before the sun even rises, our farmers are already awake),” he said.

“Habang tayo’y nagsisimula pa lamang sa ating gawain, sila’y nakayuko na sa bukirin, nag-aalaga ng lupang nagpapasigla sa buong sambayanan “While we are only starting our work, they are already bent over the fields, nurturing the land that sustains the entire nation),” he added.

Despite hardships, Marcos said farmers remain steadfast in their dreams of improving their harvests and raising their families.

With this, the President reaffirmed the government’s continuing support for the agricultural sector, from the distribution of machinery and equipment to promoting modern farming technologies.

He urged farmers to deepen their knowledge of the industry and adopt innovations that would allow them to expand and sustain productivity.

“Palalalimin niyo ang inyong kaalaman hinggil sa industriya at gamitin ninyo ang makabagong teknolohiya upang mapalawak pa ang inyong karanasan (Deepen your knowledge of the industry and use modern technology to further broaden your experience),” Marcos said.

Gawad Agraryo

During the event, President Marcos honored the country’s outstanding farmers, organizations, and communities, recognizing their significant contributions to the agricultural sector.

This year’s Gawad Agraryo recognized 17 outstanding individuals and groups from 45 finalists nationwide. The list included 10 Most Outstanding Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs), three Most Progressive Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organizations (ARBOs), and four Most Progressive Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs).

Each ARB awardee received a plaque, medal, and P25,000 cash prize, while ARBOs and ARCs were granted plaques, medals, and projects worth P70,000.

“Sa ating awardee: Kayo po ang huwaran ng pag-asa… at kayo ang nagsisilbing gabay sa mga kababayan nating nais din magtagumpay kagaya ninyo (To our awardees: You are models of hope… and you serve as guides for our fellow citizens who also wish to succeed like you),” Marcos said.

The Gawad Agraryo was established in 2008 to recognize farmers, groups, and communities that have made exceptional contributions to agriculture.

Land distribution, debt condonation

Meanwhile, the President reported that his administration has already distributed nearly 70,000 Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) to beneficiaries, securing farmers’ rights to the land they till.

He also highlighted the issuance of Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgages, freeing thousands of farmers from debts that hampered their growth.

“Ang halagang dapat sana’y ibabayad sa gobyerno, maaari nang ilaan sa bagong binhi, makinarya, o higit pa, sa mas maayos na buhay para sa inyong mga pamilya (The money that should have been paid to the government can now be used for new seeds, machinery, or more importantly, for a better life for your families),” Marcos said.

The Chief Executive said these reforms ensure farmers can reinvest in productivity rather than remain trapped by long-standing obligations.