The lawmakers say that Mindanao has fertile soil suited for agriculture. "Barren, uncultivated lands are sprawling. They must be used immediately for food production. Besides typhoons seldom strike in the "Land of Promise".
Baculio said he will propose a short, medium and long-term program for agriculture development. "Ours is an agriculture country, yet food production is not our priority. We even import rice, vegetables and fruits from foreign countries. This situation is totally ridiculous and a big insult to our farmers."
Clarete believes the government must subsidize agriculture like what is being done in other countries. "Let us support our farmers and fishermen to the fullest. Provide them with educational training, technological know-how, soft credit window, post-harvest facilities, infrastructure, marketing".
He said a scientific approach must be adopted. "There must be thorough study per locality or region on what is the best product to produce, promote the use of organic materials."
Baculio says agriculture must be the government’s top priority. He points out that we have been left behind by our ASEAN neighbors. "This is sad because they learned agri-technology from us like the IRRI. Yet, they surpassed us while we deteriorated. Agriculture must be revolutionized".
Clarete and Baculio encourage the Land Bank of the Philippines, the Department of Agriculture, Department of Highways, to be aggressive in fulfilling their mandate in revitalizing the countryside.
"Our sluggish eco-nomy will only move forward thru agriculture. Empowering the farmers and fishermen is the right ingredient," they said.