PBBM, Dy lead inauguration of Isabela postharvest facilities

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III on Thursday led the inspection and inauguration of key postharvest facilities in Isabela, highlighting the government’s intensified push to strengthen agricultural productivity, reduce losses, and improve farmers’ incomes.

Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III said the newly inaugurated facilities represent concrete steps toward improving the productivity and income of Filipino farmers, stressing that infrastructure investments in agriculture directly translate to food security and economic stability.

“Hindi lang po ito pagbubukas ng mga pasilidad—ito ay pagbubukas ng oportunidad para sa mas maliwanag na kinabukasan ng ating mga magsasaka at ng buong sambayanang Pilipino,” Dy said.

The Speaker credited the leadership of President Marcos for prioritizing agriculture, noting that the chief executive’s presence at the event reflects the administration’s whole-of-government approach to ensuring food security.

“Kitang-kita natin ang malinaw na direksyon ng Pangulo—ang agrikultura ay hindi pangalawa, kundi pangunahing haligi ng ating ekonomiya,” he added.

Dy also recognized the efforts of Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. and the Department of Agriculture in implementing programs that directly benefit farmers on the ground.

The Ambatali Warehouse and drying pavement are expected to speed up post-harvest handling, while the onion cold storage facility will help extend the shelf life of produce, reduce spoilage, and stabilize supply—key factors in addressing price volatility and farmer losses.

“Sa pamamagitan ng mga proyektong ito, mas mapapabilis ang pagdadala ng ani mula bukid patungong pamilihan, mababawasan ang pagkalugi, at mas mapapahaba ang buhay ng kanilang produkto,” Dy said.

He emphasized that beyond infrastructure, the initiative sends a strong signal that government support for farmers is sustained and expanding.

“Ang mga ito ay konkretong patunay na ang sakripisyo ng ating mga magsasaka ay hindi nasasayang—ito ay pinapahalagahan, pinapangalagaan, at pinapalakas,” the Speaker said.

Dy paid tribute to farmers, calling them the country’s quiet heroes whose daily work ensures food on every Filipino table.

“Sa bawat butil ng bigas at bawat ani, naroon ang kanilang pawis at pag-asa. Hindi sapat ang pasasalamat—kaya ang tugon ng pamahalaan ay aksyon,” he said.

He assured that the House will continue to support measures that expand agricultural infrastructure, improve post-harvest systems, and provide long-term support to farming communities.

“Kapag inangat natin ang buhay ng magsasaka, iniaangat natin ang buong bansa. At iyan ang patuloy nating ipaglalaban sa Kapulungan,” Dy said.

The Speaker concluded by stressing that the project marks the beginning of broader efforts to ensure that no farmer is left behind and that food security remains at the center of the national agenda.

“Hindi ito ang huling hakbang—ito ang simula ng mas matibay na paninindigan na ang pamahalaan ay katuwang ng magsasakang Pilipino, ngayon at sa hinaharap.”