Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Agriculture to speed up the distribution of farm inputs to Filipino farmers to help them meet their planting schedules.
During an open forum with farmers and irrigation associations, the president acknowledged that coordination between the government and farmers regarding farm inputs has not always been efficient. He pointed out that many farming supplies come from distant areas, which often causes delays.
Marcos said the Department of Agriculture should ensure that important supplies such as fertilizers and pesticides are already prepared and available even before the planting season begins. According to him, these inputs can be purchased earlier and stored so they are ready for immediate distribution when farmers need them.
The president explained that buying these supplies ahead of time would prevent long delays, especially when the products are imported and still need to be transported to different farming communities across the country.
Meanwhile, Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has ordered an investigation into alleged irregularities in the procurement and distribution of farm inputs and agricultural machinery after several farmer groups raised concerns.
Tiu Laurel said the probe will go beyond routine inspections previously conducted by the department, which earlier reported no major issues. He added that the investigation aims to ensure that government funds are used properly and that any possible wrongdoing is addressed.
NPO News Team | GMANews Online – PR
