The Philippine national agriculture grew by 3.95 percent last year amidst unfavorable conditions that affected the country.
These include weather disturbances, the bird flu scare that upset poultry production in some parts of Pampanga and Nueva Ecija, and the decline in fishery production.
Despite these hostile factors, food production has remained steady and sustainable with the crops subsector securing a 6.69% increase for the whole year and contributing 51.20% to the total agriculture production.
Poultry expanded by 4.73% during the 4th quarter of 2017, supplying the 15.40% share in national output.
These victories were made possible because of the hard work and ingenuity of the Filipino farmers and fishers, vegetable growers, livestock raisers and other stakeholders who continue to research, develop and adapt new and modern technologies and farm systems.
Last April 5, twenty-three agriculture and fishery champions were conferred presidential awards and citations during the Gawad Saka held at the Malacañang Palace. This year’s Outstanding Farmers and Fishers are now part of the roster of exemplary individuals and organized groups that have forged a lasting partnership with the Philippine government in its commitment to feed the Filipino people.
Their relentless commitment and drive to improve the state of the agriculture and fishery sectors of the country are manifested in the increase in yield and income of Filipino farmers and fishers in the previous years.
As such, the government continues to support the rural communities and sustain countryside development by providing assistance to further enhance and boost productivity, to improve livelihood and quality of life.
Under the leadership of Sec. Manny Piñol, DA has awarded technology, credit and marketing assistance along with other interventions to legitimate farmers and fishers across the nation.
For the years to follow, the Department will continue to support the sector that persists to feed the Filipino people and join President Rodrigo Duterte in fulfilling his commitment towards affordable and accessible food for all.
For today, we pay tribute to the outstanding feat and exemplary achievements of the agricultural laborers and celebrate their record-breaking accomplishments.
Mabuhay ang lahat ng magsasaka at mangingisdang Pilipino. Ipinagmamalaki namin kayo.
By virtue of Proclamation No. 33 signed in 1989, Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month is celebrated every year, during the month of May to give recognition and honor to the men and women who labor tirelessly towards sustainable food production.
This year, on May 31, local chief executives, agricultural extension workers, and irrigators associations will be honored as Rice Achievers for their active participation in the national agenda towards a rice self-sufficient nation.
