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BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
My warmest greetings to the Department of Agriculture, Tudor Rose, and the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations, as you commemorate the International Year of Family Farming with
the publication of
Deep Roots.
Sustainability has become a vital priority in our bid to secure equitable progress for the Filipino
people. The International Year of Family Farming is an opportunity for us to raise greater awareness
for the methods and systems that will enable our agricultural sector to incorporate technology and
modern dynamics to create a balanced, productive and profitable milieu for growers, producers and
consumers. This administration’s reforms have bolstered the confidence of our countrymen in our
capacity to overcome the challenges that have hampered our growth; may this event maximize our
opportunities for development and civic participation so that the fruit of our initiatives can cascade to
the farthest reaches of society.
May this publication stand as a testament to the ideals we have worked on being put into effect for
the common good. Through integrity, accountability, and solidarity, we will achieve our shared goal of a
bountiful, inclusive and prosperous Philippines.
I wish you a productive and meaningful celebration.
Benigno S. Aquino III
The President of The Philippines
The Philippine Government first proposed that United Nations declare 2014 as the International Year of Family
Farming during the 37th session of the FAO Conference in 2011, and host the closing ceremony of the Year in
Manila on 27th November 2014
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