President Marcos brought the national agriculture agenda to Davao de Oro, leading the distribution of more than ₱115 million in production assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and irrigators. The rollout follows recent national addresses highlighting agricultural export expansion and modernization efforts across the Philippines.
Agricultural Assistance Distribution in Davao de Oro
Less than a day after his State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos delivered over ₱115 million worth of aid directly to agricultural workers in Davao de Oro. According to Tiu Laurel, the support package includes farm machinery, fishing boats, tilapia fingerlings, certified rice seeds, and fertilizers.
Tiu Laurel noted that these interventions target rice and corn farmers, irrigators’ associations, and registered fisherfolk. Beneficiaries are required to be listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture to receive the production inputs.
Did You Know? The distribution package delivered in Davao de Oro includes specific production inputs such as tilapia fingerlings and certified rice seeds aimed at supporting local fisheries and crop production.
National Programs and Production Gains
During recent briefings, President Marcos emphasized broader food production initiatives, pointing to programs like the Benteng Bigas, Meron Na! initiative. According to official reports, this specific program has already benefited more than 12 million Filipinos nationwide.
Additionally, the administration has expanded KADIWA ng Pangulo outlets to over 800 locations. Tiu Laurel explained that these outlets connect consumers directly with producers, bypassing traditional middle-men to help improve incomes for farmers and fisherfolk.
Infrastructure and Export Goals
The government is currently advancing long-term sector investments in cold storage facilities, food hubs, rice processing systems, irrigation, and farm-to-market roads. Tiu Laurel stated that these projects aim to build a modern, competitive, and resilient agriculture sector capable of transforming producers into successful agripreneurs.
The administration’s strategy also focuses on boosting agricultural exports. Tiu Laurel expressed strong support for this direction, noting that better international and domestic markets directly translate to higher incomes for local producers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was included in the Davao de Oro assistance package?
The package included farm machinery, fishing boats, tilapia fingerlings, certified rice seeds, fertilizers, and other production inputs valued at more than ₱115 million.
Who is eligible to receive the agricultural interventions?
Interventions are designated for rice and corn farmers, irrigators’ associations, registered fisherfolk, and farmers throughout Davao de Oro listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture.
How many people have benefited from the Benteng Bigas, Meron Na! initiative?
The initiative has benefited more than 12 million Filipinos.
How do KADIWA ng Pangulo outlets assist agricultural workers?
The outlets expand across more than 800 locations to connect consumers directly with farmers and fisherfolk, helping producers earn more by selling directly to the public.
What infrastructure investments are currently underway?
The government is investing in cold storage facilities, food hubs, rice processing systems, irrigation, and farm-to-market roads.
How will the push for agricultural exports impact producers?
According to Tiu Laurel, expanding agricultural exports creates better markets, which in turn lead to better incomes for producers.
What measures do you think are most critical for transforming local farmers into successful agripreneurs?
Keep reading