Malacañan Palace
April 25, 2023

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presided over a meeting with members of the private sector, mostly involved in the agribusiness industry, to discuss updates on the Kapatid Angat Lahat for Agricultural Program (KALAP) at the State Dining Room in Malacañan Palace.

Jose Ma. ‘Joey’ Concepcion, Go Negosyo Founder and main proponent of the KALAP initiative, recognized the potentials of agriculture as one of the main drivers of economic growth in the country, but noted the many challenges it is facing, especially its effects to farmers. He expressed his gratitude to the President for holding a meeting with them that enabled the agribusiness industry to share insights on strengthening the agricultural sector in the country.

According to him, the government should strengthen ties between the public and private sectors through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) which will enable deeper cooperation in attaining sustainable development and transformation in the agricultural sector for the benefit of Filipino farmers and consumers.

Among the recommendations by the private sector included improvement on the loan and farm financing program, proper implementation of Agri-Agra laws, technical trainings for farmers and more postharvest facilities in the country, among others.

President Marcos Jr. expressed his appreciation for a very insightful discussion on the matter and assured the private sector of the government’s commitment in developing more holistic approaches in addressing key issues encompassing economic, social and environmental aspects of the agricultural sector.

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