President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to revitalize the Philippines’ agriculture sector, aiming for robust growth and national food self-sufficiency, particularly in rice production, to significantly reduce reliance on imports.
Speaking before a gathering of farmers and fisherfolk at the 50th Gawad Saka: Parangal sa mga Natatanging Magsasaka at Mangingisda in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, President Marcos declared agricultural self-sufficiency as a cornerstone of his national agenda.
“The day will come when we will no longer be overly dependent on importation. That is our pursuit. That will be our sign of success when we have significantly reduced our purchase of imported rice,” President Marcos stated, emphasizing the long-term vision. He added, “But you are the hope. You are the hope of Philippine agriculture.”
To underpin this ambitious goal, President Marcos announced a series of strategic government interventions designed to boost productivity and enhance the sustainability of local farming practices.
Among the immediate initiatives is the deployment of 16 mobile soil laboratories across the country. These state-of-the-art facilities will provide farmers with crucial soil diagnostics, enabling them to optimize land use, apply fertilizers more efficiently, and ultimately achieve higher crop yields. The President underscored that these mobile labs are tailored to identify the precise nutritional needs of diverse farmlands.
Further demonstrating the government’s commitment to modernizing the sector, President Marcos also inaugurated new rice processing and palay drying facilities valued at PhP63.9 million. In addition, PHP31 million worth of essential farm machinery was distributed to farmers, equipping them with the tools needed to enhance production efficiency.
Looking ahead, the President revealed plans for the establishment of permanent soil laboratories, following the initial rollout of the mobile units. One such permanent facility is already under development in Surigao, supported by assistance from Australia, signaling international collaboration in strengthening the nation’s agricultural backbone.
These initiatives underscore the Marcos administration’s holistic approach to empowering Filipino farmers and fisherfolk, ensuring a more resilient and self-reliant future for the nation’s food supply.
