President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who concurrently serves as the head of the Department of Agriculture (DA), expressed confidence on Tuesday that the goals set for the development of the agriculture sector under his watch are attainable.

Marcos emphasized the importance of putting a premium on agriculture to ensure food sufficiency and revitalize the economy, during the 125th-anniversary celebration of the DA in Diliman, Quezon City.

He said the DA must also address such pressing issues as decreasing productivity, climate change, diminishing natural resources, and changes in market trends.

“These far-reaching goals that we have put before us can actually be achieved. But I cannot say that we can do it without any of you. We have to be together. We have to work together. I know that this is something that all of you want,” Marcos said in his speech.

“I am sure that the goals that we have set for ourselves in the next few years, that we have set for the Department of Agriculture in the next few years are goals that we can achieve because we have all the different elements that are required.”

He urged DA officials and employees to work harder, as he acknowledged that the department has a “great deal of work” to attain the goal of transforming the agriculture sector.

“Marami pa tayong kailangang gawin. Kaya’t kailangan nating pagmasdan, pag-aralan at bantayan ‘yung iba’t ibang mga puwersa na nararamdaman natin na kung minsan, nagiging sagabal sa ating performance (More needs to be done. We have to monitor, study, and watch closely the forces that might impede our [agricultural] performance),” Marcos said.

“We have the expertise. We have the experience. We have the knowledge. We have the motivation to make things work. And so, that is what we are trying to do: To put all your efforts into a single plan that everyone can follow.”

‘Important’ contributor to economy

The President recognized agriculture’s important role in driving economic growth.

He noted that in the first quarter of 2023, the agriculture sector grew by 2.2 percent, contributing 9.1 percent to the gross domestic product.

“Agriculture is and will always be an important contributor to our national economy,” he said.

Marcos urged the DA to exert all efforts to harness the “transformative potential” of the agricultural sector in ensuring food sustainability, generating employment opportunities, and mitigating poverty.

He asked the department to continue its collaborative dialogue with experts, researchers, and rural workers to “solve the roots of the lingering problems.”

“We must continue to adopt and utilize the latest technologies and practices that will not only enhance our productivity and quality of life but will also open more doors to investments and market opportunities for our friends from outside of the Philippines,” he said.

The DA, he said, would continue to devise interventions to advance agri-fishery practices, improve the competitiveness of agri-fishery products, and further boost the income of farmers and fisherfolk.

In a media interview after the ceremonial turnover of urea fertilizers donated by China in Valenzuela City on June 16, Marcos said he would give up the DA portfolio once he is able to completely address the pressing issues hounding the agriculture sector.

Incentive

Meanwhile, Marcos announced all DA employees would be receiving bonuses.

The President was posing for photos when he stood up and addressed the audience anew, announcing his decision to heed the call of Senator Cynthia Villar and Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban to give incentives to employees.

“Ang dami nating pinapagawa sa mga tao. Dahil anniversary, dapat may bonus. So, dagdagan naman natin ng kaunting bonus (We have been giving our personnel numerous tasks. Because it is the department’s anniversary, there should be a bonus. So, we have to grant a bonus),” Marcos said.

“Sabi naman ni Usec Ding, may savings naman daw kayo. Bakit naman hindi (Usec Ding said you have savings, so why not)?”

He lauded the DA workforce for their efforts and initiatives.

“First of all, let me recognize kayo (you), ang ating mga kasamahan, fellow officials and employees of the Department of Agriculture, and all the attached bureaus and agencies for your lifelong dedication to serving and shaping our society into what it is today,” Marcos said.

“If there is one thing I learned, ang dami talagang magaling na tao sa Department of Agriculture. Ang dami talagang walang iniisip at walang ginagawa kundi makahanap ng paraan para pagandahin ang buhay ng ating mga magsasaka para pagtibayin ang ating tinatawag na (The Department of Agriculture is composed of competent people who are doing everything to improve the lives of our farmers to boost our) food supply.” (PNA)