Govt. to boost agri, fishery sectors

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday underscored the need to address the systemic issues plaguing Philippine agriculture for years due to the longstanding neglect of this sector.

During his speech at the 70th anniversary of the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) in Quezon City, Marcos Jr said the welfare of farmers and fisherfolk has been forgotten for decades, dating back to the inception of agricultural reform during his father and namesake's tenure.

"We have a significant amount of work ahead of us because we need to fix the entire agricultural system that has been neglected for a long time, perhaps since the start of agricultural reform, during (the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s) time," Marcos Jr. said.

"Now, many changes have occurred, the world has changed, and it has revolved several times. Therefore, we need to examine the needs of our farmers and fishermen to improve their lives because we often hear that we need to increase our yield, improve our harvest, and our productivity," he added.

The latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that agricultural production in the country decreased by 1.3 percent during the year's second quarter.

The figures unveiled by the PSA showed that the production value in agriculture and fisheries, calculated at constant 2018 prices, totaled P427.69 billion, a decline from the P433.10 billion recorded during the same period the previous year.

Minimum wages for agricultural laborers in the Philippines vary by region, ranging from P306 in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to P573 in the National Capital Region. These wage rates, determined by tripartite boards, differ based on the specific region.

"But let's not forget that the livelihood of our farmers and fishermen should also be taken care of and improved because that is our goal for all our farmers and fishermen," Marcos said.

Marcos emphasized the pressing need for his administration to boost the agricultural sector, with more than P92 billion set aside for upcoming agri-fisheries projects next year.

Additionally, the Department of Agriculture has allotted P4.73 billion to improve large-scale agriculture and fishery mechanization and modernization, aiming to decrease post-harvest losses and cost-effectively enhance farmers' yields.

However, the President underlined the enormity of the task ahead and called upon the public for their support and collaboration.

"So, this is a massive task. That's why we need your help because the government alone cannot do all of this. We need your diligence, we need your advice because you are the ones facing the problems in agriculture that we are going through now," Marcos said.

"Rest assured, your government is here to do everything in its power to assist our farmers in producing a bountiful harvest, catching enough fish for our fellow citizens, and selling these products at prices affordable to our people," Marcos added.