President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday pledged to advance agricultural reforms aimed at improving the lives of Filipino farmers.
Marcos made the commitment, as he honored the outstanding agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), ARB organizations (ARBOs), and agrarian reform communities (ARCs) during the Gawad Agraryo 2025 at the Makabagong San Juan Government Center.
“Sa ating mga awardee: Kayo po ang huwaran ng pag-asa. Kayo ang nagpapatunay na hindi natitinag ang Pilipino sa harap ng pagsubok. At kayo ang nagsisilbing gabay sa mga kababayan nating nais din magtagumpay kagaya ninyo (To our awardees: You are the epitome of hope. You are the ones who prove that Filipinos are unwavering in the face of adversity. And you serve as a guide for our fellow countrymen who also want to succeed like you),” he said.
“Maraming salamat sa inyong mga sakripisyo upang mapatatag ang pundasyon ng ating lipunan. Bilang suporta sa lahat ng magsasaka, nagpapatupad ang pamahalaan ng mga reporma upang maibsan ang inyong alalahanin at mapagaan ang inyong trabaho (Thank you very much for your sacrifices to strengthen the foundation of our society. In support of all farmers, the government is implementing reforms to alleviate your concerns and make your work easier),” Marcos added.
The President said his administration is committed to helping Filipino farmers become more productive through continued support, including the provision of farm machinery and equipment.
He cited various government efforts to improve farmers’ lives, including the distribution of nearly 70,000 Certificates of Land Ownership Award and thousands of Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgages to free farmers of their debt.
He urged the ARBs to harness modern technology to enhance their knowledge and acquire new skills.
“Hangad kong ipagpatuloy ninyo ang pag-aalaga sa inyong mga lupang sakahan at pagpapalago ng inyong ani gamit ang aming handog na tulong (I hope you will continue to take care of your farmlands and grow your harvests with the help we are providing),” Marcos said.
“Sama-sama nating itanim ang binhi ng pagbabago upang mas marami pang kwento ng pag-asa at tagumpay ang ating matunghayan sa Bagong Pilipinas. Ipagpatuloy po natin ang ating mga ginagawa para tulungan ang ating magsasaka upang tiyakin na mayroon po tayong ipapakain sa buong madlang Pilipino (Let us sow the seeds of change together, so we may witness more stories of hope and success in the New Philippines. Let us continue working to support our farmers and ensure that every Filipino has food on their table).”
Carrying the theme Repormang Agraryo: Binhi ng Kaunlaran at Tagumpay, the Gawad Agraryo 2025 recognizes the essential role of ARBs who have turned awarded lands into productive farms, the ARBOs that have become partners in providing support services and managing enterprises, and the ARCs that have developed into self-reliant and sustainable hubs.
Marcos, accompanied by Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, presented the awards to the 10 Most Outstanding ARBs, three Most Progressive ARBOs, and four Most Progressive ARCs.
Each outstanding ARB received a plaque, medal, and PHP25,000 cash award in recognition of their productivity and commitment to their families, communities, and the environment.
The most progressive ARBOs and ARCs, meanwhile, were recognized for providing reliable services to their members, promoting sustainable development, and uplifting their communities. Each received a plaque, a medal, and projects worth PHP70,000. (PNA)
