ARAYAT -- Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar recently lauded Governor Dennis "Delta" Pineda's leadership in the implementation of programs and projects for the benefit of the farmers amidst the booming agricultural industry of the province.

The appreciation happened during the secretary's visit and inspection on Saturday, November 30, together with Governor Pineda and Arayat Mayor Emmanuel "Bon" Alejandrino at Quiambao Tabuan Rice (QTR) Corporation, a rice production facility located in Arayat town.

Dar said he sees a lot of potential for Pampanga as the next Metro Manila in the next coming years.

"Having these kinds of rice centers here are good indication that the farmers and investors in agriculture are starting to realize that they will have future in the emerging industrial economy like Pampanga," Dar said.

Dar mentioned that this kind of development is the result of the effective leadership delivered by the officials of the province.

"Pampanga is plummeting in the agricultural industry. The leaders here support agri-industrialization in so many ways," Dar said.

"I applaud Governor Dennis Pineda for his outstanding leadership. He's open to new ideas. These are the kind of leaders we need in every province so that the farmers in the provinces would realize that they have someone to lean on in terms of what they can further contribute to the economy," Dar said.

Pineda said his administration will stay committed to implementing programs and projects that will help uplift the lives of Kapampangan farmers.

"Our farmers have contributed a lot, especially in the agricultural sector. That's why they deserve to get every bit of help and subsidy from the government," he said.

Alejandrino also pledged to support the programs and projects of the Governor for the farmers to maintain steadfast progress to his town's main livelihood.

When asked about his message for the younger generation, Dar has nothing but enticement for them to switch to farming.

"I'm encouraging our youth to support and invest in agricultural enterprises. If they are wary about income, I can assure them there is wealth in agriculture," Dar said. (PR)