First 100 days of PBBM

Last Oct. 8 marked the 100th day of President Bongbong Marcos’ administration. The first 100 days of a president is usually characterized as a honeymoon period so that he can ease into the office. But this period is also crucial in setting the tone of the chief executive’s priorities for the entire six years. It is important that he provides an overview of the kind of leadership that Filipinos should expect from him.

We have to consider that the current circumstances are not the most ideal as we are still on the road to recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by global events that affect not only peace but also the most basic of our needs, such as food.

For this reason, I think one of the most crucial decisions that President Bongbong has made early on is to assume the post as Agriculture Secretary, especially amid the looming global food crisis, highlighting that his administration gives much value to the sector. I thought this to be a bold move, considering all the work that needs to be done in the sector while at the same time managing the affairs and solving the problems of the entire country. But this only makes the President’s resolve to obtain for the Philippines, not only food security but food sovereignty, more evident; so much so that he would not have anyone but himself handle the job.

To support farmers, fisherfolk and livestock growers to build back better, the government has provided inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, machineries, equipment, facilities, fingerlings and livestock. Irrigation projects have been expanded, food logistics hubs and agricultural trading centers were created and the Kadiwa program was enhanced and the outlets were expanded. This ensured that Filipinos are able to easily access quality and affordable local produce and at the same time it allows producers to earn bigger profits from directly selling their produce instead of using trader-intermediaries. It also reduces marketing expenses, thus making fresh and quality products more affordable for consumers.

Providing financial support to the sector is also very important, especially with the challenge of higher farm input prices. It is good to know that the government has provided assistance through the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) with disbursements totaling more than P590 million and further to that, the Department of Budget and Management has also released P8.053 billion to the Department of Agriculture for the provision and distribution of P5,000 in subsidy to eligible rice farmers. Aside from this, around P320 million was released to farmers and fisherfolk under the Fuel Discount for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program.

The President also issued Executive Order No. 4 which imposed a one-year moratorium on payments on the annual amortization and interest payments of agrarian reform beneficiaries for agricultural lands distributed under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. This will allow the agrarian reform beneficiaries to use the money to develop their farms, maximizing their capacity to produce.

Amid the accomplishments of the various agencies, President Bongbong highlighted the gains in the areas of health, livelihood and peace.

While the government has been making moves towards easing the restrictions brought about by the pandemic, I am glad that the President has not let up on the government’s response against COVID-19 as he has continually emphasized the importance of vaccination and booster shots. This is crucial in protecting our citizens and communities to ensure that our nation’s recovery from the pandemic will be continuous until we are able to completely recover from it.

As of Sept. 30, 2022, 73.1 million individuals have been fully vaccinated, while 19.81 million individuals have already received their first booster dose. This has paved the way for the safe reopening of face-to-face classes and the voluntary use of face masks in outdoor settings. In fact, the resumption of face-to-face schooling has been beneficial not only to the learning and growth of our students, but also to the recovery of our local economy by providing livelihood opportunities.

The President has also given importance to creating employment opportunities. More jobs – around 134,285 jobs in particular – are expected to be generated from the commitments of investors from the countries that he has visited so far – Indonesia, Singapore, and the United States. Memoranda of Understanding and Letters of Intent amounting to $18.9 billion were signed as a result of these visits. Aside from encouraging investments for our country, strengthening our bilateral relations with other countries benefits us through collaboration and sharing of knowledge and best practices in various areas of governance.

In the area of peace and unification, it is worthy to note that this administration is serious in pursuing unity in all aspects of nation-building. The Bangsamoro Transition Authority is now composed of members of both the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), as well as other stakeholders.

The administration also continued the decommissioning of MILF combatants and weapons and helping former rebels reintegrate into mainstream society. In fact, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is the second fastest growing economy among all the regions in the country.

Government response in times of natural disasters has also been swift and effective. The government was quick to send aid during the floods and landslides in the Ifugao region in July, the earthquake in Northern Luzon and the typhoons that struck the nation, with the President personally inspecting the affected areas in some instances. In the first month of President Marcos’ administration, approximately P1 billion was spent in calamity funds, providing much needed assistance to the victims.

There are still many more achievements that we can mention on in the first 100 days of this administration. But more important is to focus on the next six years when more work needs to be done. And even with the best and brightest government officials to help the President lead the country, equally crucial is the support and cooperation of the Filipino people in realizing our common goal of a more progressive nation and a better life for all.