Cagayan Valley Farmer Director Isidro Acosta Sr. strongly pushes for a special program for farmers known as “Pantawid Sakahan.”
In his talk during the Monday Convocation of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office No. 02 (DA-RFO 02), Director Acosta announced that the Agriculture and Fishery Council (AFC), as the main proponent, shall present the program guidelines to Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Pinol for his consideration.
He said that if the government is providing subsidies to the poor, then it can also be given to farmers and fishers.
“This may come in the form of gasoline subsidy, tax exemption and any other related assistance that may help our food producers cope up with poverty,” he emphasized.
Acosta is optimistic that the government shall consider this especially that the cost of crop production is still high.
“Yes, irrigation fee is already free but this only benefits our farmers in irrigated areas. Those whose fields are located in rainfed areas also need assistance in order to lower their expenses.”
Acosta will travel to Manila to show his strong support to the program in AFC’s presentation to the Secretary next week.