President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed the administration's commitment to supporting the agriculture sector to ensure the country's food supply.

According to the President, the government has allocated a substantial budget this year to assist the sector, particularly farmers.

"This means more infrastructure and modern machinery for our hardworking farmers, who are relied upon not only by Zamboanga Peninsula but by the entire Philippines for what we call our food supply," Marcos said.

("Ibig sabihin ay mas maraming imprastraktura at modernong makinarya para sa ating mga masisipag na magsasaka na inaasahan hindi lamang ng Zamboanga Peninsula kung hindi ng buong Pilipinas para sa ating tinatawag na food supply.")

The government has allocated 300 billion pesos for various programs and projects in the agriculture sector.

With this budget, President Marcos said farmers can expect more infrastructure and modern machinery, a significant boost especially for those in the farming community.

The President made this announcement during the inauguration of the newly rehabilitated Mahayag Dam in Zamboanga del Sur earlier today.

Under the Department of Agriculture's budget, 33 billion pesos has been allocated for the construction and rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads, while 731 million pesos has been earmarked for small-scale irrigation projects.

According to President Marcos, the administration will focus on areas with large farming populations and provinces known for producing abundant agricultural products.

"Our priority is provinces that harvest rice, corn, high-value crops, and areas where many farmers are registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture. Most of all, we're focusing on regions where many farmers are most in need," the President said.

("Prayoridad natin ang mga probinsyang umaani ng bigas, mais, mga high value crops, at ang mga lugar kung saan marami sa mga magsasaka ay rehistrado sa ilalim ng Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture. Higit sa lahat, tinututukan natin ang mga rehiyon kung saan marami sa mga magsasaka ang higit na nangangailangan.")

Marcos also renewed his commitment to helping farmers improve their livelihoods.

"You can count on this administration to continue providing our farmers with faster access to various technologies, training, and support to uplift and make your lives more comfortable," he assured.

("Makaaasa po kayong patuloy ang Administrasyong ito sa pagbibigay sa ating mga magsasaka ng mas mabilis na access sa ganiyang sari-saring teknolohiya, sa sari-saring pagsasanay, suporta pa para umangat at maging mas maginhawa pa ang inyong mga buhay.")

Meanwhile, President Marcos met with governors of provinces severely affected by Typhoon Basyang at Malacañang.

The President ordered the early release of funds even before disasters strike, the simplification of processes to expedite aid distribution, and the swift distribution of seeds so farmers can immediately resume planting.

Marcos' directives also include preparing financial assistance and intensifying river clearing operations to reduce the risk of future flooding.