Nurturing agri growth: Marcos’ birthday wish

More people wish a head of State a happy birthday than typical, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will find as he celebrates his 66th birthday today.

Wishes for good health and happiness and the success and accomplishment of all his commitments and obligations throughout his administration have flooded in.

Before he spends his birthday in Singapore today, attending a summit and the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix, Marcos expressed his wish for an improved agriculture sector.

In an interview with reporters, Marcos said he wants the sector to be more productive and resilient to climate change.

He also expressed his wish for the government to understand the weather better so it could better help farmers.

"(My birthday wish is) for (the) agriculture (sector) to improve and for us to know the real weather, whether it's the wet season or dry season, so that we can help our farmers. That's still my prayer up to now," Marcos said.

Marcos issued Executive Order 39, imposing a price cap on rice to control the soaring prices. He also gave the responsible government agencies the job of reducing the number of agricultural hoarders and smugglers.

But he considers the "best" birthday gift the issuance of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 11953, or the New Agrarian Reform Emancipation Act.

"As we chart a path towards a more self-sufficient and equitable Philippines, this administration reaffirms its commitment to enrich the lives of our farmers, ensure the rapid industrialization of our farmlands, and promote sustainable and inclusive growth in the countryside," he said.

He visited the Department of Agrarian Reform office in Quezon City to attend the release of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act and to sign the Executive Order extending the moratorium on the repayment of agricultural debts of farmer-beneficiaries.

At the event, Daily Tribune asked government officials to present their birthday wishes for Marcos, who concurrently heads the Department of Agriculture.

"May God give President Marcos Jr. good health and more wisdom as he leads our country to a brighter future," said one senior presidential protocol officer.

Amid the good wishes, others turned the President's birthday celebration into a platform to remind him of the pressing matters he must address as the land's highest official.

"I am hoping for more fruitful years to come with Marcos's administration, especially in easing the plight of the poor people and our (economic) situation," one DAR employee said.

Economic vision for the future

As Marcos celebrates another year of life, he continues to chart his vision for the future of the Philippines. One key aspect of this vision is economic development.

He has advocated for policies to spur economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. His focus on economic issues resonates with many Filipinos who prioritize financial stability and opportunities for their families.

In October last year, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said that Marcos's performance in his first 100 days in office was commendable.

Zubiri lauded the President's choice of Cabinet members, particularly his economic team. He also noted the frequent Cabinet meetings called by the President, which he deemed a positive practice.

Best Phl salesman

The President, he said, is the "best salesman" for the Philippines, sending signals to investors that the Philippines is open for business and investment.

For context, the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that approved foreign investment pledges grew by 27.8 percent in the year's second quarter.

The PSA data released on Tuesday showed that total foreign investments approved by investment promotion agencies during the period amounted to P59.09 billion from P46.26 billion FI in the same quarter of 2022.

Vision for agriculture

Marcos has made agriculture one of the top priorities of his administration. His extension of the moratorium on farmers' repayment of their agrarian debts by two years has benefited them as they don't have to make payments until 13 September 2025.

"I have just signed an Executive Order for the two-year extension of EO 4, 2023, because other beneficiaries were not covered when the IRR was introduced and when we implemented the original EO's moratorium," Marcos said.

While acknowledging these achievements, engaging in a broader discussion of his presidency is essential, recognizing both the positive strides and the challenges faced during his time in office.

As with any political figure, President Marcos' legacy is complex and multifaceted.