BUSINESS

Marcos backs farm push with aid

Mico Virata · Jul 29, 2026, 11:21 AM

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the distribution presidential assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and their families (PAFFF) in Pangasinan on July 19, 2024. During the event president and DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella also signed the Certificate of Condonation under the New Agrarian Emancipation Act (RA 11953), which aims to relieve agrarian reform beneficiaries of their debts to improve their welfare and ensure food security. Around 12 agrarian reform beneficiaries from Region 1 received certificates and mortgage releases, while farm machinery, equipment, and cash aid were distributed to farmer cooperatives and selected beneficiaries. Additionally, about 4,600 beneficiaries received cash aid, livelihood assistance, and rice to address immediate food security needs. PHOTOS BY YUMMIE DINGDING / PPA POOL — YUMMIE DINGDING PPA POOL

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is strengthening agriculture through expanded investments, improved market access, and direct support for farmers and fisherfolk as his administration continues to prioritize food security and rural development.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the President’s latest State of the Nation Address (SONA) reaffirmed that agriculture is not only about food production but also about creating better livelihoods for millions of Filipino producers.

“The President made it clear that agriculture is not just about producing food—it is about creating opportunities for our farmers and fisherfolk to earn more and live better,” Tiu Laurel said. “I was particularly encouraged that he highlighted our push to expand agricultural exports because better markets mean better incomes for producers.”

Marcos highlighted programs such as the Benteng Bigas, Meron Na! initiative, which has benefited more than 12 million Filipinos, and the expansion of KADIWA ng Pangulo outlets to over 800 locations to connect consumers directly with farmers and fisherfolk. He also cited gains in rice, corn, sugar, pork, and poultry production supported by irrigation, mechanization, and modern farming technologies.

Less than a day after his SONA, the President brought the agriculture agenda to Davao de Oro, where he led the distribution of more than ₱115 million worth of assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and irrigators. The package included farm machinery, fishing boats, tilapia fingerlings, certified rice seeds, fertilizers, and other production inputs.

“The interventions will benefit rice and corn farmers, irrigators’ associations, registered fisherfolk, and farmers throughout Davao de Oro listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture,” Tiu Laurel said.

The Agriculture chief said the government’s continued investments in cold storage facilities, food hubs, rice processing systems, irrigation, and farm-to-market roads aim to build a more modern and resilient agriculture sector.

“The foundation for a modern, competitive, and resilient agriculture sector is now being built, and our goal is to transform farmers and fisherfolk into successful agripreneurs,” Tiu Laurel said.