By Brian Campued
“Ipagpatuloy po natin ang ating mga ginagawa para tulungan ang ating magsasaka upang tiyakin na mayroon po tayong ipapakain sa buong madlang Pilipino.”
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday assured continued government support and reforms for the agriculture sector as he honored the vital role of Filipino farmers in ensuring food security.
Speaking during the Gawad Agraryo 2025 at the Makabagong San Juan National Government Center in San Juan City, the President also commended outstanding farmers, organizations, and communities for their determination and resilience even in the face of adversity.
“Sa ating [mga] awardee: Kayo po ang huwaran ng pag-asa. Kayo ang nagpapatunay na hindi natitinag ang Pilipino sa harap ng pagsubok. At kayo ang nagsisilbing gabay sa mga kababayan nating nais din magtagumpay kagaya ninyo,” he said.
“Bilang suporta sa lahat ng magsasaka, nagpapatupad ang pamahalaan ng mga reporma upang maibsan ang inyong alalahanin at mapagaan ang inyong trabaho,” he added.
He cited various government interventions, led by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), to support Filipino farmers—such as the distribution of nearly 70,000 Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) and thousands of Certificates of Condonation with Releases of Mortgages (COCROMs) to free farmers of their debt.
The government also distributed machinery and farming equipment to boost productivity and ease the farmers’ workloads.
“Hangad kong ipagpatuloy ninyo ang pag-aalaga sa inyong mga lupang sakahan at pagpapalago ng inyong ani gamit ang aming handog na tulong,” Marcos said, urging agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) to utilize modern technology to enhance their knowledge and acquire new skills.
Launched in 2008, the Gawad Agraryo was established to honor farmers and organizations that have made remarkable contributions to advancing national progress and rural development.
This year’s ceremony recognizes the 10 most outstanding ARBs, three most progressive ARB organizations (ARBOs), and four most progressive agrarian reform communities (ARCs).
The President, accompanied by DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III, presented the awards including a plaque, medal, and P25,000 cash for ARBs and P70,000 worth of projects for ARBOs and ARCs.
-jpv
