Navotas: The Department of Agriculture (DA) organized a nationwide event on Friday, treating approximately 800 fishers and farmers to simultaneous holiday boodle fights and gift-giving activities across the country.
According to Philippines News Agency, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the event in Navotas City as part of the Paskong Baybayin program. This initiative aimed to honor the contributions of those in the agricultural sector. In his address, Secretary Laurel reassured local fishers and farmers of the Marcos administration's commitment to addressing their needs as the nation works towards its food security objectives.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. desires that food producers earn well and live decently with government support, Laurel emphasized. He announced plans to enhance support for Filipino food producers through the upcoming launch of the DA Command Center in 2026, which promises to make policy measures more data-driven, clearer, and more sustainable.
Laurel encouraged continued collaboration between the agricultural community and the government, expressing hope for advancing a more resilient agriculture and fisheries sector. The Paskong Baybayin program included communal holiday feasts and the distribution of Christmas packages containing canned goods and safety tools.
Similar celebratory events were held concurrently in Cavite, General Santos City, Palawan, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Eastern Samar, the Leyte Gulf area, and Isabela.
