President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted on Thursday the significance of the shared commitment of both the public and private sectors in promoting agricultural growth in the Philippines as he urged everyone to adopt modern farming practices.
In a message delivered by Department of Agriculture (DA) Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban during the opening ceremony of the AgriLink/FoodLink/Aqualink 2023, President Marcos said a strong partnership between the private and public sectors is important for the country’s agribusiness.
“The agricultural sector is also the bedrock of our economy. That is why, I welcome this year’s theme that speaks of the importance of plant health and value-adding as a key to competitiveness,” President Marcos said as he thanked the Foundation for Resource Linkage and Development for its continued support to the agribusiness sector.
The President also emphasized the need to continue protecting and safeguarding the crops to ensure a healthy harvest amid threats from pests, diseases, or climate change.
“Indeed, a strong agribusiness sector cannot thrive without strong plant health, which encompasses integrated agricultural practices, such as sanitation, fertilization, irrigation, [and] soil management, among others, as it leaves everything to chance, luck, or the mercy of nature,” he added.
The chief executive said that both the government and the private sector should recognize technology and innovation being the key drivers in promoting the country’s agribusiness, citing the need to regularly assess and reduce the risks of the crops.
“The adoption of modern farming practices and the development of cutting-edge technologies will be our tools to promote sustainable and efficient farming processes. Through innovation, we will not only preserve but also add greater value to our agricultural products, improving the livelihood of our farmers and enhancing our competitiveness in this globalized world,” President Marcos said.
With the drive to push further, the chief executive assured the Foundation for Resource Linkage and Development and all Filipinos that the government will continue to stand firmly behind the farmers, fisherfolks, and the small and medium-scale agri-business.
President Marcos said the ongoing efforts of the government in promoting the country’s agri-business are all “geared towards improving the efficiency and value” of the crops and agricultural products in the Philippines as he asked for everyone’s cooperation.
“So, it is my hope that you will support me and the rest of the government as we strive to build a more modern, efficient, and sustainable agri-business sector,” the President said as he thanked the Foundation for Resource Linkage and Development for its dedication and hard work in making the trade fair a huge success.
“Magsikap tayo upang makamit ang isang matatag na sektor ng agrikultura at matiyak na wala nang Pilipinong magugutom sa Isinusulong nating Bagong Pilipinas,” the chief executive added.
President Marcos said the initiative of the Foundation for Resource Linkage and Development is a testament to the successful public-private partnership. | PND