President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is confident that the Philippines would become the "leading agricultural resource hub" in the world.

"The work to improve our agricultural sector and improve the plight of our farmers and fisherfolk has only just begun. We need to continue to open more opportunities to improve their well-being. We are presently only playing catch up," he said in his speech during the opening ceremonies of the Agrilink/Foodlink/Aqualink 2022.

"With our energies and resources combined, I am confident that we will not only achieve our goal of feeding the Filipino people but also achieve our dream of making the Philippines a leading agricultural resource hub in the region and the world," he said.

Agribusiness exhibition

The ceremony was held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The agribusiness exhibition will be held from 6 to 8 October.

The Agrilink/Foodlink/Aqualink 2022, organized by the Foundation for Resource Linkage and Development, is the country's largest, most influential, and internationally recognized trade exhibition on agriculture, food, and aquaculture.

Marcos said he decided to take on the portfolio as Agriculture Secretary in a bid to ensure the stability of food supply and prices in the country.

"Now that we are beginning to see the shape of the new normal, I assure you that this administration is one with you in fulfilling our goals and targets for the agricultural sector. We will build ourselves better, together with the people who have been our bedrock of strength and of sustenance even during the most challenging times," Marcos said.

Farmers as "heroes"

Marcos assured that his administration would continue assisting farmers, fisherfolk, livestock farmers, and breeders, who he called the country's "great unsung heroes."

"Because of them we have food on our tables, because of them we have the sustenance we need to pursue our endeavors for the betterment of our nation," he said.