Marcos cites PPP, tech roles in PH agri growth

MANILA — President Marcos has highlighted the significance of technology and public-private partnership (PPP) in promoting the growth of the country’s agriculture sector as he encouraged the public to adopt modern farming practices.

Marcos said this during the AgriLink/FoodLink/Aqualink 2023 opening ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 5.

In his message delivered by Agriculture Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban, the President said a strong partnership between the private and public sectors is essential for the country’s agribusiness.

Marcos emphasized the need to protect and safeguard the crops to ensure a healthy harvest amid threats from pests, diseases, or climate change and to assess and reduce the risks of the crops regularly.

“Indeed, a strong agribusiness sector cannot thrive without strong plant health, which encompasses integrated agricultural practices, such as sanitation, fertilization, irrigation, [and] soil management, among others, as it leaves everything to chance, luck, or the mercy of nature,” he said.

According to Marcos, who concurrently leads the Department of Agriculture (DA), both public and private sectors should recognize technology and innovation as the key drivers in promoting the country’s agribusiness.

“The adoption of modern farming practices and the development of cutting-edge technologies will be our tools to promote sustainable and efficient farming processes,” he said.

“Through innovation, we will not only preserve but also add greater value to our agricultural products, improving the livelihood of our farmers and enhancing our competitiveness in this globalized world,” he added.

Marcos asked for the public’s cooperation as he shared that the government’s ongoing efforts to promote the country’s agribusiness are all “geared towards improving the efficiency and value” of the crops and agricultural products in the Philippines.

“It is my hope that you will support me and the rest of the government as we strive to build a more modern, efficient, and sustainable agribusiness sector,” he said.

“Magsikap tayo upang makamit ang isang matatag na sektor ng agrikultura at matiyak na wala nang Pilipinong magugutom sa Isinusulong nating Bagong Pilipinas (Let’s work hard to achieve a strong agriculture sector and ensure that there will be no hungry Filipino under the Bagong Pilipinas),” he added.

With the drive to push further, the Chief Executive assured the Foundation for Resource Linkage and Development and all Filipinos that the government will stand firmly behind the farmers, fisherfolks, and small and medium-scale agribusinesses. He likewise thanked the group for its continued support of the agribusiness sector.

President Marcos said the initiative of the Foundation for Resource Linkage and Development is a testament to the successful public-private partnership. (MB)