July has been declared Philippine Agriculturists’ Month by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in an effort to recognize the contributions made by farmers and highlight the significance of the agricultural industry.
“The celebration of Philippine Agriculturists’ Month will involve professional agriculturists in agricultural advocacy, policy research, and formulation, and offer opportunities for enterprise-building, communications training, and community development,” according to Proclamation 544, which Marcos signed on May 10.
Marcos, who previously served as the agriculture chief before appointing fishing tycoon Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to the position, emphasized that agriculture is crucial for ensuring food security, protecting the environment, and promoting balanced urban and rural development.
According to the proclamation, the lead, organizer, and supervisor of Philippine Agriculturists’ Month is to be the Department of Agriculture, Professional Regulation Commission, and its Board of Agriculture.
This statement is made in the midst of the El Niño phenomenon, which has damaged 60,000 hectares of farmlands and cost the country’s agriculture industry over P6.3 billion.
