Exec urged: Implement Food Security Ordinance

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council has called on the executive department to implement the mandate of the Food Security Ordinance after most members expressed concerns over the non-utilization of programs intended to support farmers.

Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover, chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, expressed the plight of the agriculture sector in Cebu City during his privilege speech delivered last Wednesday.

Alcover highlighted the ill effects of the El Niño over the summer, particularly in the upland areas. As reported, 28 mountain barangays in Cebu City, which saw heavy impacts from the El Niño phenomenon, were declared under a state of calamity to mobilize response funding.

Among the challenges faced during the season, according to Alcover, was the inflation of agricultural goods due to the dry spell that lasted up to three months. He noted that the effects of the drought served as a learning experience, particularly in relation to agricultural challenges.

"Kini atong mahatagan og importansya, susama sa pananglit sa pag suporta sa mga proyekto alang sa pagpalambo niini ug pagpangandam sa sunod nasad nga huwaw," said Alcover.

He added that the agricultural sector must also be empowered by providing more funding to the City Agriculture Department (CAD).

However, Alcover said that the upland areas have not been adequately supported by CAD, speaking from his personal assessment, particularly in the transportation of agricultural goods from farms to markets.

Citing a comparison, Alcover mentioned that in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, where he had the chance to observe the farmers' practices, produce is transported by their government to the market.

"Pero kana, ang atong practice ron sa Cebu City wala o gyud nato na mahimo kay walay tay truck nga magamit ang atong CAD pag tubag ani nga panginahanglanon sa atong kabukiran," said Alcover.

He further revealed that there are no existing motorcycles to round up the farms to evaluate their current status. He said the farms are also not equipped with mechanized equipment, as most are still using traditional farming tools.

"Sad to say nga dako kayo ta nga syudad pero wa tay tractor, nang huwam pa ta og tractor when we developed the People's Farm," said Alcover.

According to the councilor, a city-owned tractor is necessary to expedite agricultural production. In addition, Alcover noted the need for quality seeds, as this is one of the concerns raised by farmers.

He further stated that such funding could support the establishment of farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, and other initiatives that could alleviate the farmers' challenges in production.

Alcover then urged the legislative body to support farmers by prioritizing their needs in the uplands. He expressed, however, that he understands there are other programs the city is also prioritizing.

"Kay dugay na nga naobserbaran nako nga kalimtan atong kaigsonan nga dapat maoy bayani sa atong katilingban kay kung wala tay mag-uuma, wala tay gikaon," said Alcover.

During the discussion, Alcover further pointed out that the concerns he raised, particularly regarding funding, were not included in the annual budget proposal, as many items were trimmed to zero, leaving the capital outlay with a significantly reduced value.

Up until now, Alcover admits he still faces issues with the current head of CAD, which has led to a lack of communication on his part as the counterpart of the agricultural sector in the legislative department.

He added that these concerns came from other CAD members, who appealed for more attention to their requests, specifically for motorcycles and other forms of mobilization.

In response, Councilor Noel Wenceslao, chairman of the Committee on Budget and Finance, explained that the council can only approve the items proposed by the executive department.

"And for those nga gi-zero nila, wa gyud tay mahimo kay di man gyud na nato ma-approve," he said.

Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera also mentioned that upon reviewing the budget allocated for CAD, there was at least P80 million allocated, though some of it was not fully utilized for its intended programs.

"When the agriculture department has been given enough support, they have not implemented the programs they submitted to us last year," said Pesquera.

She further stated that there has been no "movement" in the agricultural program, which she said must be looked into. Pesquera reiterated that this was one of the reasons Alcover was "disappointed" with former Mayor Michael Rama when the latter did not transfer CAD head Joey Baclayon after Alcover requested the change.

In response, Pesquera suggested that Alcover ask Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia to come up with a solid agricultural program and also review the leadership of the current CAD head.

Councilor Philip Zafra, however, reminded everyone that the council had already contributed by passing the Food Security Ordinance in 2021, which includes a provision for the allocation of no less than P100 million in subsidies for farmers' associations in the city.

At the end of the discussion, the council approved Zafra's corollary motion to request the executive department to consider implementing the Food Security Ordinance.

The body also approved a request for the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) and CAD to provide an update on the construction progress of the Bagsakan Center in South Road Properties (SRP). — (FREEMAN)