June 2, 2015
Sugaronline | http://goo.gl/DWp6XR
Senators Grace Poe and Chiz Ecudero yesterday held a consultation with Negros Occidental officials to ensure that the Sugarcane Industry Development Act is implemented properly, including its PHP2 billion to be annually allocated to strengthen the competitiveness and diversification efforts of the industry, according to the Philippines' Visayan Daily Star newspaper.
The consultation organized by Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3 rd District), author of the Sugarcane Act in the House, was attended by Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Rep. Stephen Paduano (Abang Lingkod) 15 mayors and 27 vice mayors.
Gov. Alfredo Marañon said he informed Benitez that he could not attend as he was not feeling well.
Escudero said for the PHP2 billion annual allocation under the act to start this year, the House will have to pass a supplemental budget.
If the House approves the PHP2 billion allocation, Escudero said he is ready to approve it in the Senate.
Of the PHP2 billion, the law states that block farms of agrarian reform beneficiaries will be allocated 15%, socialized credit - 15%, farm mechanization - 15%, scholarships for sugar farm workers children - 5% and for infrastructure - 50% .
Benitez said he invited Escudero because he chairs the powerful Senate Finance Committee and Poe is co-author of the act in the Senate.
The Negros congressman is hoping P2 billion can be allocated for the sugarcane industry, this year, or, better still, if it can be increased to a more substantial amount.
The consultation was held with local officials because they play a vital role in the identification of farm to mill roads, skills trainings and scholarship programs to be covered by the act's annual fund, Benitez said.
Escudero said they met with the local officials to hear their concerns and get their inputs on how to spend the PHP2 billion annually.
For projects to be included in the 2016 budget, proposals must be made before October, he said.
The consultation was needed as they prepare to discuss allocations for the 2016 budget, Escudero said.
Poe, who thanked Negrenses for making her their number one senator in the 2013 polls, said she co-authored the bill because during the campaign she had promised that the concerns of the Visayas would be her priority.
She said the bill is aimed at providing more inclusive growth, especially for the small farmers.
Poe and Escudero also met with Sugar Regulatory Administrator Ma. Regina Martin before the consultation.
Among those who helped organize the consultation were the Association of Chief Executives in Negros Occidental headed by Victorias Mayor Francis Palanca and the Vice Mayors' League of the Philippines-Negros Occidental Chapter headed by Silay Vice Mayor Mark Golez.