MANILA, Philippines – HINIKAYAT ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) na panatilihing buhay ang ‘legacy’ ng kanilang founding members sa pamamagitan ng pagsama sa misyon ng pederasyon at “continuously take part in supporting and empowering our farmers and fisherfolk.”
“I urge all members of the FFF to keep the legacy of the founding members, keep it alive, stay true to your mission of uplifting all the lives of every Filipino rural worker,” ayon kay Pangulong Marcos sa idinaos na ika-70 anibersaryo ng FFF, araw ng Miyerkules, Oktubre 25.
Kinilala naman ng Pangulo ang “seven fruitful decades” ng partnership ng FFF sa pamahalaan para masiguro na tuloy-tuloy ang pagpapaunlad ng agriculture sector.
“We celebrate the seven fruitful decades of your long-standing cooperation and partnership with the government in sustaining development in the areas of agri-fisheries, agrarian reform, and agricultural cooperatives, among others,” ayon sa Punong Ehekutibo.
Sa kabilang dako, pinuri naman ni Pangulong Marcos ang pederasyon para sa kanilang mga programa at inisyatiba na magpapalakas sa boses ng iba’t ibang manggagawa sa buong bansa.
Sumasalamin din ito sa prinsipyo ng namayapa at dating Pangulong Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. sa pagsusulong ng social reform at rural development sa bansa.
“Through your programs and initiatives, you have effectively elevated and empowered the voices of our small farmers, fisherfolk, and rural workers, across the nation,” ayon sa Punong Ehekutibo.
“This noble pursuit is the very essence of what my father, President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., strongly believed in, which I believe I have certainly inherited. This is why it’s worth recalling how we championed the cause of the Federation of Free Farmers and expressed his unwavering support for this organization,” dagdag na wika nito.
Pinagtibay naman ng Pangulo na ang pagpapalakas sa agricultural productivity ng bansa ay isa sa ‘top priorities’ ng administrasyon.
“I wish to reaffirm one of the top priorities of this administration, which is the enhancement of our agricultural productivity, the guarantee of our food supply, the affordability of our food supply, and our lessening dependence on importation,” ayon sa Pangulo.
“This includes pursuing policies that will support and protect the overall welfare of our farmers, our fisherfolk, our manufacturers, and the consuming public,” dagdag na wika nito.
Kumpiyansang sinabi naman ni Pangulong Marcos na ang administrasyon ay “steering the growth” ng fisheries at farming industries sa lalong madaling panahon.
Nagpahayag naman ng kumpiyansa ang Pangulo sa pagsusulong ng modernisasyon sa Philippine agri-fisheries sector.
“With a substantial budget of 85.88 billion pesos for 2023, and a proposed 92.40 billion pesos for 2024, I am optimistic that we can propel the modernization of our agri-fisheries sector,” ayon sa Pangulo.
Binanggit naman ng Pangulo ang iba’t ibang pagsisikap ng pamahalaan na isulong ng gobyerno na maitaas ang ‘standard of living’ at mapabuti pa ang kalidad ng buhay ng pamilya ng mga benepisaryo.
“Among the many endeavors that we are pursuing is the strengthening of the various associations and cooperatives so that they can provide business and investment opportunities to their beneficiaries,” ayon sa Chief Executive.
Nagbigay naman ng katiyakan ang Pangulo na “the government is striving to implement efficient mechanization strategies, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure optimal yield.”
Para sa taong 2023, P4.73 bilyon ang inilaan ng Department of Agriculture (DA) bilang investment para sa large-scale agriculture at fishery mechanization at modernisasyon.
Kinilala naman ng Pangulo ang genuine service ng FFF at ang patuloy na pakikipagtulungan sa pamahalaan na nauwi sa pagsasagawa ng iba’t ibang developments.
“All of these plans, these programs, and prioritizations are now being undertaken because of your constant cooperation with the government and your genuine service towards our farmers and our local communities,” ang litaniya ng Pangulo.
“You’ve undeniably solidified your presence over the past seven decades, and I eagerly anticipate an even deeper collaboration, given our shared commitment,” aniya pa rin.
Looking forward naman ang Pangulo sa magiging pagsusumikap ng FFF na makapagbibigay ng kontribusyon para sa “Bagong Pilipinas” at makamit ang food security at nutrition security para sa Pilipinas. Kris Jose
