Duterte distributes P58 million aid to Soccsksargen farmers

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte led the distribution of P58-million worth of agricultural assistance to farmers in Soccsksargen on Friday. 

Farmers from Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani received farm inputs and machineries, including tractors, rice harvesters and fertilizer, at the Pigcawayan municipal gymnasium in Cotabato. 

The President also distributed cash cards worth P5,000 each to 100 rice farmers from Libungan, Cotabato

In his speech, the President lamented that farmers were neglected by previous administrations.

“They just extended help to farmers... No monitoring, no help after... That is why the agriculture sector failed to take off,” the President said. 

Duterte  said the Department of Agriculture would provide more assistance to farmers until the end of his term.

The President said he hopes the assistance would ensure efficiency in the agricultural sector and address issues confronting farmers.

“It is my hope that the farm inputs and machineries... will reinforce the short and long-term solutions that we have implemented... and result in greater productivity and competitiveness,” he said.

Duterte said the government would hold regular consultations with farmers to determine their needs even as he assured them of his support.

He promised to invest in more infrastructure projects, such as farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, farm equipment and other tools. 

Duterte also rallied the support of farmers in the implementation of the Rice Tarrification Law, saying it would help strengthen the economy and provide more opportunities for the agricultural sector.

The President encouraged farmers to avail themselves of trainings offered by the Department of Agriculture,  Department of Science and Technology and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to improve their skills.