Ex-lawmaker seeks probe on P45-B unused agri funds

MANILA, Philippines – Some P45 billion in funds intended for increased agricultural production have remained unused, a former member of the House of Representatives representing farmers said.

Based on a document his former lawmaker-colleagues have furnished him, ex-Rep. Rafael Mariano of party-list group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas said P33 billion has been released to the Department of Agriculture (DA) “but the amount has not been obligated.”

On top of this, P12 billion has yet to be released by the Department of Budget and Management to the DA.

“Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and Budget Secretary Florencio Abad have a lot of explaining to do for withholding and not spending the funds for the purpose for which Congress has appropriated the money,” he added.

He pointed out that the funds were allocated for rice and corn production programs.

Mariano said the country has to increase its rice production so it would not be importing a huge quantity of the staple.

He said the government has to help farmers in provinces affected by the extended El Niño dry season phenomenon.

According to Rep. Rodel Batocabe of party-list group Ako Bicol, who heads the House climate change committee, 12 provinces are most affected by El Niño.

He identified these as Quezon, Camarines Norte, Sarangani, Laguna, Mindoro Oriental, Mindoro Occidental, Romblon, Aklan, Antique, Guimaras, Biliran, and North Cotabato.

Batocabe said his information is based on the reports of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

He said the FAO has estimated that at least 50,000 farmers would need government support in their farming activities next cropping season due to the El Niño.       

The extended dry season is expected to last until early next year.  By that time, the normal dry weather will set in, he added.

Batocabe urged concerned government agencies to take measures to help vulnerable farmers and communities.

“I hope our national government agencies will expedite the implementation of programs already funded by Congress like the construction of small irrigation systems and farm-to-market roads to help farmers,” he said.