President Marcos Reaffirms Farmers as the Foundation of the Philippine Economy

Farmers Receive Land Titles and Support in Dumaguete City

On Monday, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. underscored the critical role of farmers in bolstering the Philippine economy. During a ceremony in Dumaguete City, where he distributed land titles to local farmers, Marcos highlighted the importance of their contributions to the nation’s strength and prosperity.

Recognition and Encouragement for Farmers

In his speech, President Marcos expressed his hopes that the newly distributed land titles would serve as a source of inspiration for the farmers, motivating them to continue their hard work for their families and the country. He stated, “Nawa’y maging inspirasyon ang mga titulo at tulong na ito upang lalo pa ninyong pag-ibayuhin ang inyong pagsisikap sa sarili para sa inyong mga pamilya at kasama na rin para sa ating bansa.” Translated, this means, “I hope the land titles distributed would serve as an inspiration for the farmers to do better in their work for their families and even the entire nation.”

He further emphasized, “Kayo ang pundasyon ng mahigit na 100 milyong Pilipino, ang inyong mga ani ang nagpapalakas sa ating mga mamamayan at ang inyong mga sakripisyo ang nagpapalakas sa ating ekonomiya.” This statement translates to, “You are the foundation of more than 100 million Filipinos. Your crops make every Filipino strong and your sacrifices strengthen the economy.”

Commitment to Agrarian Reform

Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing land not only to farmers in Central Visayas but to all farmers across the Philippines. In the Central Visayas region, specifically, a total of 2,866.5 hectares of agricultural lands were distributed to 2,426 agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Infrastructure and Equipment Support

In addition to land titles, President Marcos also led the turnover of significant infrastructure and equipment support. This included farm-to-market roads (FMRs) worth PHP 100 million and PHP 17.5 million worth of farm machinery and equipment. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) reported that seven FMRs were constructed and funded under the Agrarian Reform Fund, located in Negros Oriental across the municipalities of Amlan, Dauin, Ayungon, Tanjay, Bais City, Tayasan, and Bindoy.

Republic Act 11953: The New Agrarian Emancipation Act

The distribution of land titles aligns with Republic Act 11953, also known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act. This law aims to free Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) from their debts, offering them a fresh start to fully capitalize on their lands without financial burdens. President Marcos mentioned that in Region 7 alone, DAR has already provided 4,614 hectares of land to beneficiaries this year.

Broader Economic and Social Impact

The agrarian reform initiatives led by President Marcos are seen as a critical step towards enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security in the Philippines. By providing farmers with land titles and necessary support infrastructure, the government aims to empower the agricultural sector, which is pivotal for the country’s economic stability and growth.

Marcos’s efforts reflect a broader vision of an inclusive economy where the contributions of farmers are recognized and bolstered. This vision aligns with sustainable development goals, aiming to improve the livelihood of rural communities and reduce poverty.

Continued Commitment to Farmers

The President’s commitment to agrarian reform and support for farmers is expected to have lasting positive impacts on the agricultural sector. By addressing issues related to land ownership and providing the necessary resources, the administration aims to create a more robust and resilient agricultural industry.

President Marcos’s emphasis on the foundational role of farmers in the Philippine economy highlights the administration’s focus on agricultural development as a key driver of national prosperity. The recent initiatives in Dumaguete City are a testament to this ongoing commitment, promising a brighter and more secure future for Filipino farmers.