President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the launch of the South Cotabato Consolidated Rice Production and Mechanization Program on Wednesday, which is expected to enhance the agriculture sector in the country.
The program aims to boost agricultural production, improve grain quality, the application of efficient farm practices, and the cooperation of local farmers.
“Napakahalaga ng ganitong klase ng programa. Ito ay ‘yung maliit, o small version ng aming ginagawa sa buong Pilipinas. Ito pa rin ang pinakauna na pinagbuo lahat ng pangangailangan ng ating mga magsasaka,” the President said.
“Kailangan nating gawin ito dahil ayaw na natin mapunta sa sitwasyon na wala tayong makunan ng bigas, hindi sapat ang ating pagkain, hindi tayo makapag-import, may giyera, nagbagyo, whatever it is, kung anuman, ay kailangan nagagarantiya natin sa ating mga kababayan na may sapat,” he added.
In line with this, South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. has pledged to deliver an average of eight tons of rice yield per hectare under the program.
Marcos, who also heads the Department of Agriculture, congratulated the province as he also vowed to support farmers.
“At aantayin ko ang pangako ng inyong ama ng lalawigan na eight tons per hectare ang magiging ani. Pag nakapag-ani ka na ng eight tons per hectare, sabihan mo ako babalik ako dito para makamayan ko kayong lahat,” he said. AG-with reports from Mela Lesmoras – gb
