(Eagle News)–President Bongbong Marcos on Wednesday, Oct. 25, vowed to revive the agri-fishery sector, which the government said has been left behind for decades.
He said a budget of P85.88 billion has been allotted for the modernization of sector in 2023, while there was a proposed budget of P92.4 billion pesos for 2024.
To ensure the sector’s growth, the President said the government
has to begin by assessing the needs of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.
So far, he said among the top priorities are enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food supply and affordability, as well as lessening dependence on importation.
He said another priority was to increase the exportation of agricultural products.
“Kaya po ito po ay napakalaking trabaho. Kaya’t kailangan po natin, hindi kaya ng pamahalaan na nag-iisa na gawin lahat ito, kaya’t kailangan po natin ang tulong ninyo. Kailangan namin ang sipag ninyo, kailangan namin ang advice ninyo dahil kayo ang nakaharap sa mga problema ng agrikultura na dinadaanan natin ngayon,” he said.
“You have my assurance that the government is striving to implement efficient mechanization strategies to reduce post-harvest losses and to ensure the optimal yield at an affordable cost,” he added.