By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday called for support to Filipino farmers by establishing community gardens, highlighting their significant role in achieving national food security.
During the distribution of e-titles and certificates of condonation with release of mortgage (COCROMs) to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Lucena City, Quezon, Marcos stressed the importance of agriculture in urban areas to ensure that every Filipino has access to nutritious food.
He called for collaboration between the government and the private sector to promote community gardens in schools, homes, and neighborhoods.
“Gusto ko rin hikayatin ang ating mga kababayan na tulungan natin ang ating mga magsasaka sa paggawa ng pagkain,” Marcos said.
“Kung mas marami pa ang magtatayo ng mga hardin sa kanilang mga paaralan, tahanan, at komunidad, hindi na natin masyadong pino-problema ang mura at masustansyang pagkain,” he added.
Marcos said the government is committed to helping local farmers increase their income with the help of modern technology and methods.
He urged the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Agrarian Reform, and local government units to work together to develop farmers’ knowledge and skills.
“Kailangan natin silang gabayan sa mga makabagong pamamaraan at kagamitan sa pagsasaka,” Marcos said.
The President distributed e-titles covering 30.8064 hectares of agricultural land under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling Project to 15 ARBs.
A total of 11,497 COCROMs were also handed over to 9,811 ARBs for the condonation of debts worth P441.71 million.
The initiative aims to relieve farmers’ financial burdens by formally releasing them from their debts and mortgage obligations as stated in Republic Act No. 11953 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act.