Marcos birthday wish: A better state of agriculture

MANILA, Philippines — For his birthday wish, “a better state of agriculture” is top of mind for President Marcos.

The President, who marks his 66th birthday today, concurrently heads the Department of Agriculture (DA), which is struggling to stabilize the supply and prices of rice and vegetables.

Marcos voiced his birthday wish when asked about it during an interview at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) central office in Quezon City.

He also expressed hope for a more accurate and timely weather forecasting in the Philippines.

“Also for us to determine what the weather really is – is it wet season or dry season? – so we can help our farmers,” he said. “That’s my only prayer up to now.”

Marcos is scheduled to fly to Singapore today to address economic managers and business leaders at the 10th Asian Conference, as well as watch the finals of the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix 2023 this weekend.

While in Singapore, the President will also meet with business leaders to strengthen economic ties and further forge possible partnerships in select industries, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.

Also yesterday, President Marcos approved a two-year moratorium on the collection of amortization and interest from agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Marcos signed Executive Order 40 during the presentation of the implementing rules and regulations of the New Emancipation Act at the DAR office. The moratorium will be in effect until Sept. 13, 2025. EO 40 renews EO 4, issued by Marcos on Sept. 13, 2022.

“This provides for the moratorium on the principle obligation and interest on amortization payable by the ARB (agrarian reform beneficiaries) to include even those who are not covered by the new emancipation law,” Marcos said.

Marcos signed in July Republic Act (RA) 11593 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act.

The law condoned a total of P57.65 billion in unpaid amortizations, benefiting 610,054 farmers tilling more than 1.7 million hectares of agrarian reform lands.

Marcos said he wants a whole of nation approach to achieving food security.

“So I urge the DAR with all government agencies to strive for a smooth and immediate execution of this IRR so that our beneficiaries may be freed from the burden of debts and reap the benefits from the land that they tirelessly cultivate, continue to facilitate the delivery of support services to all ARBs,” he said.

Marcos said the completion of the IRR of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act is the best birthday gift he could ever receive.