| LGUs
commit to allocate 50% of monetization to rice sufficiency measure
Efforts
at the local government level to increase rice productivity
is expected to get a boost with the allocation of 50% of the
proceeds from the monetization of the P12.5 billion IRA differentials
for 2001 and 2004 for the rice sufficiency program.
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Agriculture
Sec. Arthur Yap calls on the governors to allocate 50%
of the proceeds of the P12.6B IRA monetization for the
rice sufficiency program. Looking on (from left) are
LPP regional chairman for CAR Gov. Dalog, national chairman
Gov. Villafuerte, national president Gov. Ocampos, and
secretary-general Gov. Evardone. |
During
the special general assembly of the League of Provinces of
the Philippines, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture,
last May 13, the governors committed to allocate 50% of their
respective proceeds from the latest round of monetization
in support for the rice sufficiency program.
Agriculture
Sec. Arthur Yap suggested that the portion allocated for the
rice sufficiency program should be used to purchase rice seeds,
fertilizers and pesticides.
South
Cotabato Gov. Daisy Fuentes, however, questioned the rationale
of limiting the allocation of funds to rice seeds and fertilizers.
She explained that the LGUs may be committing a large amount
of money for seeds and fertilizers without taking into consideration
the possibility of major calamities such as typhoons and bug
infestations.
On the alternative, she supported the proposal of Albay Gov.
Joey Salceda that instead of limiting the interventions to
seeds and fertilizers, the LGUs be given the leeway to utilize
the funds for area-specific interventions such as related
infrastructure, etc.
Meanwhile,
Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo P. del Rosario proposed that
while waiting for the release of the proceeds from the P12.5B
monetization program, the LGUs first commit an initial P5
billion for the Quick Turn Around and third cropping season
which will begin in the next three weeks.
He proposed for the Land Bank advance the amount to the LGUs
while waiting for the completion of the Department of Budget
and Management, the Department of Finance, the LGUs availing
of the monetization and the Land Bank of the necessary documentations
and other requirements in order to meet the targets for the
QTA. (AJSanchez)
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