MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pledged continued support for Filipino farmers, announcing over PhP63 billion allocated this year for the National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) projects to expand agricultural infrastructure and provide modern equipment.

“Naniniwala po kami isa ang irigasyon sa pundasyon ng mas masaganang ani at mas matatag na ekonomiya,” Marcos said during the inauguration of the Mahayag Dam and turnover of solar-powered pump irrigation projects in Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur.

“Makaaasa po kayong patuloy ang Administrasyong ito sa pagbibigay sa ating mga magsasaka ng mas mabilis na access sa ganiyang sari-saring teknolohiya, sa sari-saring pagsasanay, suporta pa para umangat at maging mas maginhawa pa ang inyong mga buhay,” he added.

The Chief Executive noted that nearly PhP300 billion has been allocated for various agriculture programs and projects this year.

“Ibig sabihin ay mas maraming imprastraktura at modernong makinarya para sa ating mga masisipag na magsasaka na inaasahan hindi lamang ng Zamboanga Peninsula kung hindi ng buong Pilipinas para sa ating tinatawag na food supply,” Marcos said.

From the Department of Agriculture’s budget, more than PhP33 billion is allotted for the construction and rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads in 2026, with PhP370 million for Zamboanga del Sur. Almost PhP731 million is earmarked for Small Scale Irrigation Projects.

Marcos said the government is prioritizing provinces that produce rice, corn, and high-value crops, as well as areas with a concentration of farmers registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

“Higit sa lahat, tinututukan natin ang mga rehiyon kung saan marami sa mga magsasaka ang higit na nangangailangan,” he said.

The President underscored the government’s commitment to strengthen food security, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and boost crop sales and income through targeted programs. He urged farmers to avail themselves of government assistance to access machinery, technology, and training.

“Sulitin ninyo ang pagkakataong ito upang mapagaan ang inyong trabaho. Gamitin ninyo ang mga bagong makinarya, teknolohiya, at kaalaman upang mapataas ang inyong kita at mabigyan ng mas magandang kinabukasan ang inyong sarili at ang inyong pamilya,” Marcos said.

He also expressed hope that farmers would inspire the youth to pursue careers in agriculture and serve the country.

“Dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, ang bawat magsasaka ay makakatanggap ng angkop na suporta tungo sa masaganang ani, matatag na kabuhayan, at maunlad na kinabukasan,” Marcos said.