MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is calling on the Filipino youth to use their technological expertise to help modernize the country’s agriculture sector, highlighting the potential of innovation in revitalizing farming and attracting new generations to the field.

In his latest vlog titled BBM Vlog 221: Agrikultura, the President said technology is key to encouraging young Filipinos to take up farming, especially as the country’s agricultural workforce continues to age.

“Tinanong din ako ng ating mga kasamang magsasaka paano daw maeengganyo ang mga kabataan sa pagsasaka dahil matanda na ang ating mga farmer? Ang sagot ko, teknolohiya,” President Marcos said.
“We must use technology. Nakakaunawa ang kabataan sa mga bagong teknolohiya,” he added.

Marcos pointed to the deployment of mobile soil laboratories as an example of how advanced tools can boost agricultural productivity and appeal to the younger generation. During his visit to Muñoz City, Nueva Ecija last week, he oversaw the launch of 16 mobile soil labs capable of analyzing soil and water across 44 parameters to guide farmers in maximizing yields and efficiently using inputs.

“High-tech at talagang state-of-the-art ‘yung mga kagamitan. Malaki ang maitutulong nitong mga soil laboratory sa productivity ng ating mga farmer. Lalo na ngayon panahon ng climate change, talagang apektado ang sigla ng ating lupain,” he said.

The President also cited the inauguration of the ₱63.9 million Rice Processing System II in Muñoz City, a facility that can process two to three tons of palay per hour. In addition, ₱31 million worth of farm machinery was distributed to local farmers to enhance efficiency across the entire agricultural value chain.

“Kaya natin ito pinagbubuhusan ng pansin mula sa sakahan, sa iba’t ibang proseso na kailangan pagdadaanan ng mga ani, pati sa bagsakan hanggang sa pamilihan, titiyakin ng pamahalaan na maayos ang pagtakbo para sagana sa pagkain ang hapagkainan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” Marcos said.

The President emphasized that from production to processing to marketing, the government remains committed to improving systems to ensure food security for all Filipino households.