← BACK

Modernization of agriculture in PH long overdue, says JV Ejercito

February 13, 2023

Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Monday lamented the slow pace of the country’s agricultural modernization program, which has prevented local agricultural goods from competing effectively with imported goods.

“Long overdue na yung mechanization, yung modernization ng sektor ng agrikultura [...] Kung gusto nating mapatupad ito, dahil kailangan nating makacompete, we really have to modernize. Kasi di tayo makakalaban sa presyo ng ibang bansa kung di tayo magmemechanize at magmomodernize ng ating farming methods,” he said in an interview.

Ejercito cited the failure of agriculture officials to fully implement the sugarcane farm mechanization programs created under Republic Act No. 10659 or the Sugarcane Industry Development Act, which he principally authored during his first term in the Senate.

He said the law requires the national government to allot P2 billion annually for the mechanization of sugarcane industry, as well as block farm grants, socialized credit, scholarships, and research and development. 

However, only about P500 million was allotted every year since the measure was passed in 2015, he said.

The lawmaker from San Juan also slammed agriculture officials for promoting excessive importation instead of improving the country’s agricultural production through modernization.

“Dapat bago na sana yung mga sugar mills. Mechanized na yung farming. Kaya lang, di nangyari ang lahat. Dahil nawili tayo sa importation, nakalimutan na yung production. Nakalimutan na ng itulak ng DA at ibang ahensya,” he said.

“Ang gaganda ng mga batas, kung naipatupad nang tama seven years ago, sana po malakas na ang sugar industry natin sa Negros at sa iba pang probinsya. Kaya lang, nawili sila sa importation,” he added.

#

Stay Ahead with JV Ejercito: Get the Latest Updates,
Insights, and News


    ×

    Stay in touch

    Subscribe with JV Ejercito’s Newsletter: Get the Latest Updates, Insights, and News

      Full Name

      Email

      Mobile Number (Optional)