MANILA -- President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, September 6,  said the country would tap Indonesia for fertilizer supply after his “very productive” meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

“We talked about the possibility of them supplying us with fertilizer with Urea of Indonesia,” Marcos said in a media interview as he ended his state visit to Indonesia.

Marcos earlier said his administration is trying to look at non-traditional sources of fertilizer supply and expressed willingness to pursue government-to-government deals to avail cheaper fertilizers.

Meanwhile, the chief executive said that Indonesia has agreed to export coal to the country.

“And there was a time a few weeks back where they stopped export of coal. Nakiusap tayo sa kanila at sinama  naman tayo doon sa listahan na bibigyan nila. Mag-export sila ng coal,” Marcos added.

The President also told the media that the “most extensive subject matter” in the discussions was public-private partnerships (PPP).

“Because nandito talaga tayo para i-encourage ‘yung PPPs with the Philippine government,” he said. “Many of  them are already actually involved in the Philippines. So sabi nila palalakihin nila ‘yung kanilang involvement.  Gusto nila mag-expand.”

Marcos said he also asked for Indonesia’s assistance in agriculture, specifically in the fisheries sector.

“Pati ‘yung nagpatulong ako sa fisheries, kasi obsessed ako doon sa Pilipinas nag-iimport ng galunggong eh.  Hindi ko talaga matanggap ‘yan eh,” he said. “So I asked for help because matibay ang fisheries nila. So sabi  ko we can exchange delegations.” (PND)