(Photo credit: Presidential Communications Office)
QUEZON CITY (PIA) - “Agriculture is and will always be an important contributor to our national economy."
Thus, stated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the 125th Founding Anniversary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Tuesday, June 20.
"In the first quarter of 2023, the agriculture sector grew by 2.2 percent while contributing 9.1 percent to our total gross domestic product,” the chief executive noted.
President Marcos who concurrently sits Agriculture Secretary said that even financial experts exclaim noted that economic growth will depend upon the development of the agriculture segment.
“Kahit hindi magsasaka, kahit yung mga nasa bangko, ADB (Asian Development Bank), hindi aahon ang ekonomiya n’yo kung hindi gaganda ang agrikultura n’yo,” he stated.
“Dahil lahat ng ating ginagawa sa ating ekonomiya, ang pinagbabasihan ay ang matibay at masiglang agricultural sector,” he added.
Pres. Marcos shared his initiatives and directives towards a modern, resilient, and sustainable agricultural society.
The President said that the DA will continue to come up with interventions to advance agri-fishery practices, improve the competitiveness of our agri-fishery products, and further boost the income of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.
“Let us continue to engage in collaborative dialogues with experts, researchers, rural workers to solve the roots of the lingering problems,” he said.
He also mentioned that to be resilient, DA must learn and adapt to climate resilient and cutting-edge agricultural technologies.
“Learn and adopt climate resilient and cutting-edge agricultural technologies so we can be prepared for Prospective contingencies,” he added.
DA celebrates its 125th Founding Anniversary with the theme, “Kagawaran ng Agrikultura: 125 taong naglilingkod tungon sa masaganang agrikultura at maunlad na ekonomiya.”
It was established on June 23, 1898 and was first named Department of Agriculture and Manufacturing.
As part of the 5-day long celebration, a photo exhibit and the Kadiwa ng Pangulo project will be open at the Department of Agriculture compound in Quezon City, offering affordable vegetables, fruits, meat and seafood to the public. (PIA-NCR)
