President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday called for support to Filipino farmers by establishing “community gardens,” highlighting their significant role in achieving national food security.
“Gusto ko rin hikayatin ang ating mga kababayan na tulungan natin ang ating mga magsasaka sa paggawa ng pagkain,” President Marcos said in his speech during the distribution of e-titles and certificates of condonation with release of mortgage (COCROMs) in Quezon province.
The President emphasized the importance of agriculture in urban areas and called for collaboration among government agencies and the private sector to promote community gardens in schools, homes, and neighborhoods.
“Kaya nga’t isinusulong namin ang agrikultura sa kalunsuran na [kung] saan kami ay nakikipag-ugnayan sa ibat ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan at pribadong sektor din na magtanim at magtayo ng mga community garden,” the President said.
President Marcos expressed optimism that community gardens would help ensure that nutritious food becomes accessible to every Filipino family.
“Lahat po tayo ay may pananagutan sa pagpapaunlad sa ating minamahal na Pilipinas. Ating pong gampanan ang ating mga tungkulin at sama-sama nating pagtulungan na makamit natin ang masaganang, progresibo, at maunlad na Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.
Some 15 agrarian reform beneficiaries received e-titles during the distribution ceremony, covering 30.8064 hectares of farmland. A total of 11,497 Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROMs) were also handed over to more than 9,000 ARBs.
Through Republic Act No. 11953, or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, a total of PhP441.71 million in ARB debts in Quezon were condoned, which include amortization, interests, and surcharges.
More than 600 ARBs in Quezon have received e-titles since July 2022, the President reported. PND
