In his first SONA, Marcos Jr. claimed that the Department of Agriculture has finalized the plan to “increase production in the next planting season.”

 

Missing Context

 

In his first SONA, Marcos Jr. said, “Isinapinal ng Department of Agriculture ang planong pagtaas ng produksyon sa susunod na pagtanim o planting season sa pamamagitan ng tulong pinansiyal at teknikal. Magbibigay tayo ng pautang habang mas ilalapit natin sa sektor ng agrikultura ang hindi gaanong mahal na farm inputs na bibilhin ng bulto ng gobyerno.”

However, this directive to “increase production” is too vague. Marcos failed to explain where the financial help will come from and how this would be distributed to the agriculture sector. Likewise, it is unclear what he meant when he mentioned “technical” aid. Additionally, merely providing loans will not necessarily guarantee an increase in production.

 

The agricultural sector is one of the biggest and yet long-neglected sectors in the Philippines. Marcos Jr.’s position as the Department of Agriculture’s secretary while simultaneously being the country’s president presents high and necessary expectations which should be addressed as soon and as clearly as possible. – Celine Lagundi