If elected as the next president in 2022, Vice President Leni Robredo wants to double the budget of the agriculture sector in six years.
Speaking before the 47th Philippine Business Conference and Expo, Robredo cited the agricultural sector was able to post growth despite several community quarantines and decline in production of all sectors brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Agriculture actually grew last year. It has been resilient in the face of the pandemic. Imagine how much more it can grow if we give it enough funding,” the Vice President said.
“But we do not have to just imagine. Under my administration, we will see it for ourselves. We will change the mindset of the government. Instead of importation, we will prioritize strengthening local production,” she promised.
Robredo said she would strengthen the agriculture sector.
“We will double funding for agriculture from 1.7 percent of the national budget today to 3.4 percent by 2028. We will ensure this money is well-spent and balanced across all agricultural sectors and stakeholders in the country,” she vowed.
Robredo said there would be more job opportunities despite the COVID-19 crisis via a conditional stimulus package for micro, small and medium enterprises for as long as employers have not laid off their employees.
“Foreign and domestic investments, we all know, will only dramatically rise if we have the necessary infrastructure and logistics for them to thrive. To do this, we need to offer a stable and strong political and economic climate. We need to prioritize lowering of power rates and other utility costs, and prioritize mass transport,” the Vice President said.
“Our government, apart from improving ease of doing business, will not change the rules in the middle of the game,” she stressed.