While senators accredited of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s efficiency in his first one year in workplace, some lawmakers would have most well-liked to see him take extra motion on agricultural issues.
At the Kapihan sa Senado Thursday, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri gave Marcos’ first 12 months in workplace an eight out of 10 score.
Nevertheless, Zubiri harassed the necessity to concentrate on rural growth so the agriculture sector would thrive.
“I think he is doing a very fine job. If you ask me for a grade, 8 out of 10. Napakasipag niya from day one. He started his mandate running. Of course, he is being hounded by inflationary problems, problems of high cost of goods, food and fuel. Some of which are beyond his control,” stated Zubiri.
“I believe, kailangan niya ituloy tutukan ang agriculture sector. Remember that rural growth is the important thing to uplifting poverty. ‘Yung pinakamalaking poverty rates natin ay nasa rural areas which is basically 90 percent agriculture,” he said.
The lawmaker stressed the need to fix the value chain in agriculture and strengthen the government’s farm to table programs to lower food prices.
Zubiri acknowledged that Marcos was doing his best to address the current problems in the country, but he said the President needed the support of the Filipinos.
“He is doing his best kaya dapat suportahan natin ang ating pangulo. We are just in one ship. If you want to support the ship, let’s assist it transfer ahead and transfer in the direction of reaching poverty alleviation for our individuals,” he stated.
In distinction, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III stated that Marcos had “not made any headway in our problems in the agricultural sector. In sugar matters alone, his administration has had two controversies in less than one year in office.”
The lawmaker additionally stated in his assertion that smuggling within the nation was nonetheless rampant, the costs of onions and different primary meals gadgets had been nonetheless very costly and past the technique of odd residents.
Further, Pimentel stated inflation was nonetheless an issue within the nation.
“I believe PBBM can be greatly helped by the appointment of a regular Secretary of the Department of Agriculture,” Pimentel stated.
Senate President Loren Legarda agreed that Marcos was “hardworking” and he was capable of attain out to the world even when there have been “some windows that were closed in the past.”
For Legarda, Marcos should work with newly appointed Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, because the Health Department place was vacant for nearly a 12 months.
The President additionally wanted to work with the agriculture sector, particularly after the Senate concurred with the ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which might have an effect on the native agriculture sector.
Although she famous that it was Marcos’ prerogative to nominate a everlasting Agriculture secretary, Legarda hoped there can be a person who would concentrate on the sector’s issues.
Whether Marcos stays because the chief of the Department of Agriculture or not, Legarda stated agricultural smuggling within the nation needed to be stopped.
Senator Robin Padilla additionally praised Marcos’ efforts throughout his first 12 months in workplace, saying the administration’s applications targeted on boosting the financial system.
But the lawmaker hoped that the President, as appearing secretary of the Department of Agriculture, would implement its mandate and assist the farmers within the provinces.
“Sa Nueva Ecija, ang mga tao doon, inaasahan nila na darating ang panahon na ang DA ay ma-implement na nang tama ang mga mandato nila… Yan ang sinasabi ng karamihan ng mga magsasaka–na sana magkaroon ng secretary. Pero di natin alam kung ano ang nasa utak ni PBBM. Baka meron siyang grand plan na maging effective,” he stated.
For his half, Senator Jinggoy Estrada stated he was “fully satisfied” with Marcos’ efficiency, however he echoed his colleagues’ name for the appointment of a everlasting Agriculture secretary.
“Siguro ang sa akin lang kailangan na pumili ng… permanent agriculture secretary kasi siyempre bilang Presidente, marami siyang problema at trabaho, tapos aasikasuhin mo pa yung isang departamento,” Estrada stated.
Meanwhile, Senator Sonny Angara stated the Marcos administration ought to proceed selling the Philippines as an funding vacation spot.
“’Yung pagsabi niya sa mundo na bukas ulit yung Pilipinas, nakikita ko dun na gusto niya talaga magkaroon ng hanapbuhay dito, na sumigla yung ating ekonomiya dahil alam niyang ‘yun ang magpalalagay ng pagkain sa mga lamesa ng ating mga pamilya,” he said.
While the administration still has much to do in the coming years, Angara gave Marcos a 97 to 98 percent grade.
Advancing the national interests of the Philippines was also one of the things Senator Bong Go expected from the President.
“The President is our number one marketing agent who also manages efforts to bring in investments and opportunities for our people. Malaking bagay na siya mismo ang umikot to showcase the beauty and stability of our country,” said Go.
“I trust that President Bongbong Marcos continues to advance our national interests. Basta palagi lang dapat unahin ang interes at kapakanan ng mga Pilipino at ng ating bansa,” he added.
Senator Nancy Binay meanwhile acknowledged that the Marcos administration was able to face numerous post-pandemic challenges and was able to implement measures to revive the economy.
She likewise praised the President for appointing “tried and tested” public servants to the Cabinet.
“The goal is to push for more investment-driven strategies for long-term growth and development. And I believe that the strong investor confidence that the Philippines is reaping is brought by Malacanang’s clarity and consistency in policies and investment direction,” she said.
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said the President’s performance was “so far so good,” and he is doing his job “very well.”
But as a former police officer, Dela Rosa hoped that the cops involved in illegal drugs would be “sent to hell” and that the President won’t “make them enjoy their life.”
On Wednesday, Marcos stated he agreed with an evaluation that graded his efficiency as the best official within the nation as “incomplete.”
Marcos stated there are nonetheless a number of issues to do particularly within the agriculture sector.
“Ang dami pa nating gagawin [We still have a lot to do], there are many, many things that we still need to do. We have to undo 30, 35, almost 40 years of neglect when it comes to the agricultural sector,” he added.
Further, the President stated delivering on his administration’s guarantees was “a work in progress.” — DVM, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
