SPEAKER Martin Romualdez today lauded President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s unwavering commitment to securing food security for the Filipino people during his intervention on Sunday at the first session of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo, Japan.
“President Marcos’ focus on food security at the ASEAN-Japan Summit sends a clear message: the well-being of Filipino families is a top priority,” said Speaker Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives.
“His efforts to secure robust partnerships and cutting-edge agricultural technology advancements directly translate to a more stable food supply and stronger economic opportunities for millions of Filipinos across the nation,” added Romualdez, who is part of the President’s official delegation to the Tokyo summit.
Romualdez cited President Marcos’ emphasis on “enhancing resilient and sustainable agriculture and food systems through new technologies and innovation” in the Chief Executive’s intervention during the first session of the commemorative summit.
He noted the President’s acknowledgment of Japan’s ongoing support through the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve and the ASEAN-JICA Food Value Chain Development Project, emphasizing the direct benefits these initiatives provide to Filipinos.
Elaborating on the potential benefits of the President’s initiatives, Romualdez said the emergency rice reserve and collaborative food development projects could provide crucial safeguards against food shortages and price fluctuations, protecting Filipino families from hunger and economic hardship.
Likewise, he said President Marcos’ call for embracing new technologies in agriculture signals a commitment to modernizing food production and distribution, boosting efficiency and yielding increased harvests.
“Investing in sustainable agricultural practices opens doors for job creation and economic growth in rural communities, strengthening livelihoods and improving the quality of life of our citizens,” Romualdez said.
Speaker Romualdez reiterated the full support of the House for President Marcos’ ongoing efforts to prioritize food security on the national and regional agendas.
Earlier, Romualdez had bared that Congress earmarked funds under the P5.768-trillion 2024 national budget to implement a revolutionary program of the Marcos administration that would drive down the price of good quality rice by almost half for seven million families or 28 million Filipinos under challenging situations through monthly rice discount vouchers.
Initially dubbed Bagong Pilipinas Community Assistance and Rice Discount (CARD), the new program was formulated in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Sec. Rex Gatchalian and the local government units (LGUs).
Romualdez expressed confidence that the President’s leadership and commitment to securing partnerships, leveraging technology, and promoting sustainable practices will ensure a stable and prosperous future for Filipino agriculture and the families who depend on it.
“President Marcos’ proactive approach at the ASEAN-Japan Summit demonstrates his unwavering dedication to the Filipino people,” Romualdez said.
“By working together with our friends and allies we can build a food-secure future where Filipino families thrive and our nation enjoys continued growth and prosperity.”
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