BOAC, Marinduque (PIA) — Local rice farmers and fisherfolk are looking to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27 with optimism, expressing hope that the administration will sustain programs that have helped improve their livelihoods while introducing new measures to strengthen the country’s agriculture and fisheries sectors.
As key contributors to the nation’s food security, farmers and fisherfolk from Boac town said government policies on agriculture directly affect their production, income and overall quality of life.
Rice farmer Gilbert Medallon thanked the Marcos administration for delivering programs that have eased the burden of farming, particularly the distribution of farm inputs and equipment.
“Maraming salamat po sa proyektong pamimigay ng libreng abono at makina na mapadali nito ang aming trabaho sa bukid,” Medallon said.
Looking ahead to the President’s SONA, Medallon said he hopes the government will continue expanding support for farmers.
“Ngayong darating na SONA inaasahan po namin na magkaroon pa ng mga oportunidad sa agrikultura na suportang makakatulong para maging maayos ang daloy ng trabaho bilang magsasaka,” he added.
Fisherfolk also welcomed government interventions that benefited small-scale fishing communities.
Ismael Jalos, a fisherman from Barangay Tabigue in Boac town, expressed gratitude for the fishing equipment distributed by the government.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Pangulong Marcos sa pinamahagi na mga kagamitan sa pangingisda tulad ng lambat, pambis, at nylon,” Jalos said.
He said fisherfolk are hoping to hear additional initiatives during the SONA, including the construction of better fish landing facilities and programs that would further strengthen coastal livelihoods.
“Inaasahan namin ang mga bagong panukala para sa aming mga munting mangingisda at magkaroon ng maayos na daungan para sa aming mga huli. Masaya rin kaming naghihintay sa mga susunod pang hakbang ng pamahalaan para sa pagpapalakas ng aming pangkabuhayan sa tabing dagat,” he added.
Both farmers and fisherfolk said they remain grateful for the government’s continuing support for the agriculture and fisheries sectors, expressing hope that their concerns and aspirations will be reflected in the President’s policy directions.
President Marcos is scheduled to deliver his State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 27, where he is expected to outline the administration’s accomplishments and priorities, including programs aimed at strengthening food security and improving the welfare of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk. (Monica Magalang-GIP/AS/JBG/PIA MIMAROPA-Marinduque)
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