By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Closely following his attendance at the change of command ceremony held at Camp Crame, Quezon City earlier this Monday, June 2, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial turnover of 229 vehicles and maintenance equipment procured by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) as part of the third tranche of the agency’s re-fleeting program.
The acquisition of these vehicles, which include dump trucks, backhoes, excavators, and mini buses, is crucial in bolstering NIA’s capacity to maintain and enhance irrigation systems that are essential in maintaining sufficient agricultural productivity across the country.
“Sa pamamagitan ng mga sasakyan at gamit na ito, may pagkain sa hapag [ang mga magsasaka] at mas matatag ang sektor ng ating agrikultura,” President Marcos said.
“Napakahalaga ng re-fleeting program ng NIA lalo na po sa panahon ngayon. Mabigat ang pagsubok na kinakaharap ng ating mga magsasaka dahil sa naidudulot ng climate change—mas matinding init, mas malalang ulan, at pabago-bago ang panahon,” he added.
In light of these challenges and in honor of their sacrifices, the Chief Executive lauded the hard work of farmers who labor in the paddy fields and bring food to tables across the country.
Having cited them as one of the pillars of the nation, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rural development and ensuring food security.
“‘Ika nga, “magtanim ay hindi biro.” Kahit may mga makinarya, kailangan pa rin ang masisipag na kamay at matitibay na puso ng mga magsasaka,” President Marcos said.
“Buong puso po ang pasasalamat namin sa inyo. At hindi po titigil ang administrasyong ito sa pagpapatupad ng mga programa na magpapabuti ng inyong mga kinabukasan,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive reminded NIA personnel to use the equipment responsibly and look after the welfare of farmers.
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