VICE President Sara Duterte lauded farmers from Santa Maria, Laguna for their sacrifices, devotion, and support for the agriculture industry’s growth.
Duterte was the guest speaker during the 10th Marilag Festival of Santa Maria held at the Laguna town plaza.
“Today, we pay tribute as we celebrate the richness of your agricultural farms, the sacrifices and dedication of the people who toil the land, and commitment of everyone behind Santa Maria’s agriculture sector,” the Vice President said.
Known as Laguna’s “food basket,” Santa Maria, according to Duterte, plays a big role in the development of the province as it helps sustain the country’s economy and the lives of Filipinos.
The Vice President also commended the local government and the people of Santa Maria for their resilience and cooperation in paving wider and more sustainable paths of development for its local communities.
According to her, the foundations of development and growth that is inclusive — that targets the most vulnerable sectors — are built in good governance.
“It is my hope that the local leaders of Santa Maria will continue to uphold the values of good governance and become even more relentless in embarking on initiatives for the improved welfare of the communities of Santa Maria,” she said.
Duterte also took the opportunity to offer Santa Maria her projects, the Mag Negosyo Ta ‘Day (MTD), to assist women and members of the LBBTQI+ by augmenting their daily income, making them economically empowered and independent.
The MTD was one of Sara Duterte’s many flagship projects when she was still mayor of Davao City.
The Office of the Vice President has adopted the project for nationwide implementation.
The MTD, which offers trainings and funding to groups, was launched in San Pedro, Laguna on March 8. The Vice President offered the same project to Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental on March 14, and to Alaminos City in Pangasinan on March 19.
