Espino seeks DA help vs. smuggling
STA. MARIA–Governor Amado Espino Jr. has called on Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala to stop the importation of frozen meat and the rampant smuggling of onions, which have since flooded markets in Pangasinan.
Espino made the appeal when he welcomed Alcala here during a Farmers’ Forum held at the Pangasinan State University campus on November 29.
In response, Alcala vowed to look into the matter and assured the governor that efforts shall me made to contain the problem.
Alcala also suggested that laws and municipal/city ordinances should be introduced to stop these.
The imported frozen meat being sold at cheaper prices is directly competing with local fresh meat originating from slaughterhouses in the province.
Smuggled onions, on the other hand, have been discouraging traditional onion farmers from producing since these, being bigger and cheaper, are selling better.
Espino said unscrupulous businessmen have largely affected Pangasinense engaged in the livestock business and onion production.
“Kawawa ang mga Pangasinense na nasa livestock business at onion production dahil palugi ang business nila,” the governor said.
IRRIGATION
At the same time, Espino asked Alcala to look into the problems of irrigation in Pangasinan.
Meanwhile, Alcala disclosed that his department has already developed a strategic plan for agriculture, which is now being fine-tuned before implementation.
The plan, he said, includes trainings for farmers to help enhance their skills in production.
Alcala further said that while the DA will help farmers market their produce, he urged them to engage in alternative projects like goat raising, poultry or other livestock in their backyards to augment their income.
After the forum, Alcala distributed water pumps and certified rice seeds to the farmers under the government’s Rehabilitation Assistance program.
A tractor was also given to the Farmers’ Multipurpose Cooperative of Laoac under the subsidy scheme where the recipients put up a counterpart fund.
The farmers’ forum was attended by the mayors and representatives of the 5th and 6th districts, Abono partylist representatives, irrigators associations and farmer-cooperatives.
