PBBM pushes for soil laboratories in all regions

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has announced that his administration aims to establish soil laboratories in every region of the country to strengthen agricultural development.

During a discussion with the 50th Gawad Saka Awardees at the Science City of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija, Marcos underscored the importance of understanding soil health to effectively guide government interventions and support for farmers. "Pero pagkatapos nitong mobile laboratory, maggagawa tayo ng permanent. Gusto naming maglagay ng permanent soil laboratory sa bawat region. Kaya ito, Phase 1 pa lang ito, ika nga," PBBM said.

The President also expressed optimism that the Philippines will eventually no longer rely on rice imports. He took the opportunity to thank the Gawad Saka awardees, acknowledging their crucial contributions to the country's development and food security.

This year, a total of 43 individuals and organizations from various regions were honored through the Gawad Saka program, the Department of Agriculture's highest recognition for outstanding performance and innovation in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.