By Katrina Sanchez/AdDU Intern
IN LIGHT of the ongoing buzz surrounding Resolution no. 1028 filed by Senator Robin Padilla last May 16, an official of the Department of Agriculture (DA) XI assured the agency’s relentless efforts to support local farmers.
On Tuesday’s Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum at SM Lanang, Macario D. Gonzaga, DA XI regional executive director, said the directives they receive from the national office are communicated effectively to their intended beneficiaries through the local officials.
“We have the provincial agriculture, [and] municipal agriculture who can facilitate these programs that all directives na programa from DA, as directed from the central office, maka-abot talaga sa ating mga farmers (We have the provincial agriculture, [and] municipal agriculture who can facilitate these programs that all program directives from DA, as directed from the central office, will reach our farmers),” he said.
Furthermore, Gonzaga said the DA XI consistently engages in dialogue, holds meetings, and offers necessary training to ensure its agricultural programs truly reach the farmers, fisherfolks, and other intended beneficiaries.
In his resolution, Senator Robin Padilla asked the Senate committee on public information and mass media to probe the “failure of government to effectively communicate policies and relevant implement details of laws that are targeted to support our local farmers.”
Padilla filed the resolution to help cushion the impact of RA 11203 or Rice Tariffication Law.
Gonzaga recalled President Marcos’ proposal to amend the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) to reduce taxes and encourage importation after they discussed the department’s future plans.
Currently, he said the agency faces no significant challenges while implementing its programs. Nevertheless, they seek the cooperation of the intended beneficiaries to also communicate their needs to the nearest DA office.
