After leading the inauguration of the Antong Dam and Irrigation System in Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat, President Marcos had lunch with farmers and irrigators in a "boodle fight."

In a series of photos released by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Marcos was seen joining the boodle lunch with farmers and irrigators in the municipality on Thursday, June 25.

Malacanang said the President, during lunch, personally spoke with and listened to the farmers regarding their concerns.

It added that the gesture was also Marcos' way of recognizing the farmers' contribution to the country's food security.

"Bilang pagkilala sa mahalagang ambag ng mga magsasaka sa food security ng bansa, nakasalo ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa isang boodle lunch ang mga magsasaka at irrigators sa Antong Dam sa Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat (In recognition of the vital contribution of farmers to the country's food security, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joined farmers and irrigators for a boodle lunch at Antong Dam in Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat)," the PCO said in a statement.

"Binigyang pagkakataon din ng pagtitipon ang Pangulo na personal na makausap ang mga magsasaka at marinig ang kanilang mga karanasan, hamon, at mungkahi para sa patuloy na pagpapaunlad ng sektor ng agrikultura (The gathering also gave the President an opportunity to personally speak with the farmers and hear their experiences, challenges, and recommendations for the continued development of the agricultural sector)," PCO added.

Marcos also visited communities affected by the strong earthquake in South Cotabato, where the Office of the President provided P40 million for 200 barangays in South Cotabato and P96 million for 480 barangays in Cotabato.

According to the Chief Executive, South Cotabato was heavily affected by the earthquake that struck Mindanao in early June.

"At nagdala kami ng tulong, kabilang nito ay ang South Cotabato may mga maraming naapektuhan. Dito sa datos namin, nakalagay dito 21,000 na pamilya at saka 170 na barangay at nagdeklara ng state of calamity kaagad (We brought help, including South Cotabato, where many were affected. Our data here shows 21,000 families and 170 villages were affected, and a state of calamity was immediately declared)," Marcos said during the distribution of assistance.

Marcos assured affected communities that the government listens to their concerns and encouraged them to reach out when they need help.

"Kami ay nakikinig din. Nakikinig kami sa inyo kung ano ang sa palagay ninyo ang mga kulang, ang mga kailangang pang-gawin, para masulusyunan sa mga problemang nakikita natin. At kung kayo, huwag kayong magdadalawang isip. Huwag kayong magdadalawang isip (We are listening as well. We are listening to you about what you believe is lacking and what still needs to be done to address the problems we see. And do not hesitat to share your concerns and suggestions with us)," he said.

Marcos also went to check on the implementation of the Department of Agriculture's Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Program and the Department of Social Welfare and Development's Walang Gutom Program (WGP) in South Cotabato.