No empty promise: Marcos committed to end hunger

MANILA, Philippines — A day after his first anniversary in office, President Marcos maintained that his promises were not just campaign slogans, as he vowed to work until not a single Filipino suffers from hunger.

In a speech during the 56th founding anniversary of Davao del Sur yesterday, Marcos thanked those who supported him during last year’s presidential race and reiterated his call for unity, his main message during the campaign. 

“I hope you will not get tired (of supporting us) and we will repay your love with our sweat that will not run out until the work is done, until we can say that no Filipino is hungry,” the President said in Filipino.

“We are continuously doing something about the things we talked about during the campaign. It is not just a campaign slogan. That is what we call unity... Now, we are fulfilling our promises to the people, our promises to you,” he added.

Marcos, also the agriculture secretary, previously said ending hunger is the goal he aims to achieve by the end of his term. He has repeatedly cited the need to boost the agriculture sector to ensure that food is accessible to ordinary Filipinos.

Marcos said only Ilocos Norte, his hometown, has upstaged Davao del Sur in terms of support for his administration.

“Rest assured your support will not be in vain,” he said in Filipino.

Security, health

At the same event, Marcos praised the provincial government for its accomplishments in key areas like security and health. He noted that Davao del Sur is the first province in the region to be declared insurgency-free.

“That is not a small feat. We know that peace will improve the lives of our countrymen. That is the first step,” the Chief Executive said, underscoring the need for peace in nation building.

“We know that what we need to improve the lives of our countrymen is peace,” he said.

“Through your diligent and compassionate implementation of the Tupad Pangako Program you are able to accomplish this while also helping former rebels reintegrate into society to take part in building our nation,” he added.

Tupad Pangako is a program that helps former rebels reintegrate into society by providing them with the necessary skills and assistance.

“It’s very encouraging to see you all working hand in hand, and to know that the Provincial Government’s projects are all aligned with my administration’s eight-point socioeconomic agenda. I urge all of you to remain determined in promoting peace, in promoting development in your province,” Marcos said.

Marcos also recognized the provincial government’s efforts to improve the local health care system as he emphasized the need to fortify health facilities to make them ready for pandemics like COVID and disasters.  He likewise cited the provincial government’s move to digitalize and streamline its processes to achieve sound fiscal management and bureaucratic efficiency.

“With the local government focusing on all aspects of your daily life that we have identified in the national agenda, we can look forward to a boost in local businesses, improved daily transactions and an overall better quality of life. Rest assured that the National Government fully supports you in ensuring the success of your initiatives and the success of the people and of the province of Davao del Sur,” he added. — Diana Lhyd Suelto