World Trade Center, Pasay City
October 6, 2022
Recognizing the invaluable contributions of farmers and fisherfolks in providing sustenance to the Filipino people and the nation as a whole, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. formally opened the Philippines’ largest, most influential and internationally recognized trade exhibition on agriculture, food and aquaculture – the Agrilink/Foodlink/Aqualink 2022 – at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
“Trade events like Agrilink, Foodlink and Aqualink help us support our farmers and fisherfolk. We empower them to become catalysts who will contribute to the recovery and inclusive growth of our economy,” President Marcos Jr. said in his keynote address, noting that the previously held agribusiness exhibitions resulted to various innovations that modernized the production and marketing of agricultural goods, as well as aided farmers and workers that made the agricultural sector more robust and resilient.
The Chief Executive gave his assurance that his Administration is one with the agricultural sector in fulfilling its goals and targets, citing the provision of seeds, fertilizers, machineries, equipment, facilities, fingerlings and livestock to support farmers and fisherfolks. On top of these, the government established KADIWA outlets, expanded irrigation projects, created food logistics hub and agri-trading centers, provided aid in procurement and logistics support, as well as various forms of assistance such as the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (with disbursements totaling more than PhP590 million), Fuel Discount Program (PhP320 million) and Quick Response Fund amounting to PhP1.54 billion so far that benefitted more than 17.13 million farmers and fisherfolks in times of disasters and calamities.
“With our energies and resources combined, I am confident that we will not only achieve our goal of feeding the Filipino people, but also achieve our dream of making the Philippines a leading agricultural resource hub in the region and the world,” President Marcos Jr. stated.
This is the 27th Agrilink/Foodlink/Aquaculture trade exhibition that returned after a two-year absence due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 500 indoor trades, retail booths and outdoor booths showcasing agribusiness products, technologies, market linkages, equipment and services are participating in the three-day event with the theme, ‘Inclusive Growth in Agribusiness Chain: Key to Stability.’
The Caraga Region or Region 13 comprised of five (5) provinces – Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur – take the spotlight in the 27th Agrilink/Foodlink/Aqualink, focusing on the roadmap towards enhancing the competitiveness of its three (3) high-value crops: cocoa, coffee and abaca.
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