GUIMBA, NUEVA ECIJA—On his 67th birthday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed his wish for significant advancements in the Philippines’ agricultural sector, aiming to enhance the livelihoods of Filipino farmers and their communities.
According to the Philippines News Agency, during an event marking the launch of the Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program in Guimba, Nueva Ecija, President Marcos articulated his vision for a robust agricultural system that supports the prosperity of farmers and bolsters the nation’s food security. “My birthday wish is to establish a strong agricultural system that improves the sector’s performance and, consequently, the lives of every farmer, their families, and all Filipinos,” said Marcos.
The president also underscored his commitment to enriching farmers’ lives through various government initiatives, particularly those spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture (DA). Celebrating his birthday in the company of local farmers at the Our Lady of Sacred Heart Gymnasium, he noted, “You are the backbone of our nation. Your efforts nurture our prosperity and ensure our food security.”
During the event, President Marcos distributed certificates of condonation with release of mortgage to agrarian reform beneficiaries, reaffirming his dedication to recognizing and supporting the hard work of farmers in achieving national food security. He pledged that his administration would focus intensively on promoting the rights and welfare of farmers.
“The government is actively working to support your endeavors through new programs and policies. Today, we start laying down the path toward a prosperous future for you and our country,” he remarked. The DA’s Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid Program promises significant aid, including a credit facility providing low-interest loans and financial assistance to farmers.
Under this program, each beneficiary farmer is allocated PHP32,000, distributed in four quarterly payments, which can be used to purchase necessary agricultural inputs like seeds and fertilizers through an Interventions Monitoring Card (IMC). The initiative also includes a commitment by the National Food Authority (NFA) to purchase up to five tons of palay per farmer at competitive prices, ensuring a stable income for rice producers.
Further highlighting his support for the agricultural sector, Marcos mentioned the recent enactment of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which has relieved numerous agrarian reform beneficiaries of their debts, enhancing their economic resilience, particularly in the aftermath of recent natural disasters.
“This debt relief is not just financial aid—it’s a new beginning, offering you a fresh start and the opportunity to prosper without the burden of old debts,” Marcos concluded, emphasizing his belief in the transformative power of these agricultural policies.