Corn production program expanded to 21 towns
LINGAYEN–The provincial government’s corn production program will soon be implemented in 21 towns, a major expansion from only three towns previously.
The ratified memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed by Gov. Amado Espino Jr. on the program was approved last week by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), paving the way for the inclusion of the local governments of San Carlos City, Manaoag, San Fabian, San Jacinto, Mangaldan, Alcala, Binalonan, Laoac, Sto. Tomas, Villasis, Asingan, Balungao and San Nicolas.
Sixth District Board Member Alfonso Bince, Jr. said the resolution is an expansion of an earlier provincial resolution which covers only the towns of Pozorrubio, Rosales and Sta. Maria.
“We now have 21 towns that are included in producing hybrid corn, and this would definitely give Pangasinan another award as the country’s best quality corn producing province in 2014,” said Bince.
With the expansion of the program, Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya said the province now has a total coverage area of 3,000-hectares.
The MOA involves the National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR), Abono Partylist, and the National Federation of Hog Raisers.
The Pangasinan Corn Production Program started in 2011 with a P43-million revolving fund that were used to extend zero-interest loans to corn farmers.
For 2014, Moya said the province appropriated P15 million while the Department of Agriculture (DA) allotted P20-million, and Abono, P8 million.
Moya noted that Engr. Rosendo So, founding chairman of the Abono Partylist, also facilitated an augmentation fund of P10M this year from the DA.
The corn-producing towns of Pozorrubio, Rosales, and Sta. Maria have been benefitting from the interest-free loan scheme with a repayment rate of 85% as of July 2013.
Board Member Mojamito Libunao Jr., meanwhile, stressed that the SP is ensuring that the fund is managed appropriately saying, “The legislative body has to safeguard the province’s counterpart fund for the program to get rid of another fertilizer scam scenario wherein non-farmers have benefitted from the DA’s fertilizer subsidy program.” (PIO)
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