QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who concurrently serves as the agriculture chief, is set to grace the celebration of the 125th founding anniversary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday, June 20. 

As the DA Secretary, President Marcos is expected to echo initiatives and directives that will further put forward the cause of the food production sector especially in terms of ensuring the effective delivery of services to farmers and fisherfolk across the country. 

During the turnover of the 20,000 metric tons of urea fertilizer from the Chinese government last June 16 (Friday) at Valenzuela City, the President expressed his willlingness to hold the highest post in the agriculture department until efficient systems are implemented to guide the stable flow of agricultural commodities. 

“You know, the truth of the matter is…we have really managed to make some very important structural changes in the Department of Agriculture. The problem had been during the beginning of this year ay naging crisis lahat ng food supply, food prices, fertilizer prices, et cetera. Kaya napakalaking bagay nitong donation na binigay sa atin ng China,” said President Marcos in a media interview. 

“Kaya’t ang aking hangarin para sa DA ay pag iniwanan ko ang DA by that time, we will have systems in place so that we can guarantee the food supply of the Philippines, number 1; we can guarantee that the prices are affordable; and, number 3, that our farmers make a good living. Hangga’t matapos natin ‘yun, I suppose you will just have to put up with me as DA Secretary,” he added.

Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban and Undersecretary Agnes T. Miranda recently led on Monday (June 19) the kickoff ceremony of the momentous occasion by opening a photo exhibit that highlights the triumphs of the agriculture sector in achieving food security under the Marcos administration. 

“Hopefully in the next 125 years, the future leaders of the DA will see to it that what we are doing today and tomorrow will be the guide post that we will do in the next 125 years,” said Usec. Panganiban.

The flagship ‘Kadiwa ng Pangulo’ project will also have a 5-day coverage at the Department of Agriculture Compound in Quezon City as part of the festivities in line with the said celebration. 

The DA was established on June 23, 1898, following the declaration of the Philippine Independence. 

The 125th founding anniversary of the agriculture department is being commemorated along the theme “Kagawaran ng Agrikultura: 125 taong naglilingkod tungon sa masaganang agrikultura at maunlad na ekonomiya.” (PCO/DA/PIA-NCR)