Hagonoy, Davao del Sur
October 12, 2023
“Investments in infrastructure and in the capacity of our people, whether in agriculture, education, health or transportation, are crucial in driving our nation and our economy forward. We put a high premium on investments in agriculture, as it is the key to combating hunger and poverty, and achieving our goal of food sufficiency and security across the country,” declared President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the inauguration of the World-Class Controlled-Climate Magnolia Poultry Farm, where he also led the unveiling of the marker of the first completed out of the 12 poultry megafarm projects to be constructed across the country, located in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur.
“I came here so we could highlight to other investors around the country even international that there is a way to do this. We have to also explain to our people, we also have to show them that this is the way forward, this is the way of the future,” the President said, commending San Miguel Corporation (SMC), led by President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramon S. Ang, for responding to the Administration’s call for agricultural investments.
“We can no longer depend on the informal production of food in the way that we have depended on for a very, very long time, because of the pollution density, the geopolitical situation right now has just became a great deal, all of these factors come together that is why we have pushed very, very hard to make sure that in the Philippines by itself, we are able to feed our people,” the President added, emphasizing the importance of food security amid the global challenges.
He proposed the inclusion of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as one of the 12 sites for poultry megafarm projects. “With your help, we will make this island a bastion, not only of peace and security, but also of progress and food sufficiency in the years ahead,” he said.
Furthermore, he clarified that the poultry farm markets would not compete with local backyard producers as the produce would be marketed as processed meat. He reassured them of the Administration’s unwavering support in combating diseases, particularly against Avian Influenza, announcing that a vaccine is now available and the government is prepared to procure these vaccines.
The Chief Executive also expressed support for the preservation of nearby Mt. Apo, which is being considered for inclusion in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) list of World Heritage Sites.
President Marcos Jr. assured the people of Hagonoy and the rest of Mindanao that the government is actively tackling various agricultural challenges, such as the threat of the Banana Panama Disease. He also promised the roll-out of major projects in the near future, including the Mindanao Railway Project. The project’s Phase 1, the Tagum–Davao–Digos Segment, is currently underway to enhance interconnectivity in Mindanao.
“Moving forward, you can rest assured that the government will continue to pursue infrastructure projects and other endeavors that will sustain the socio-economic growth of the entire island of Mindanao and the rest of the country,” he concluded in his keynote address.
* * *