Budget breakdown sought for annual farmers' awards

Majority floor leader Jocelyn Pesquera, chairwoman of the committee on budget and finance, is asking for a complete breakdown of finances for the proposed establishment of the annual awards for Cebu City's Ten Outstanding Farmers.

The proposed ordinance, which was authored by city councilor Hilario Davide III, aims to recognize the invaluable role and contribution of the agriculture sector in the development of the city.

"The purpose of the proposed ordinance is very laudable for it intends to give due recognition to the farmers in the city for their contribution to their community," Pesquera said in her committee report submitted to the council.

Under the proposal, an appropriation of P100,000 must also be set aside for the purpose, which shall be included in the annual budget of the city agriculture department.

There will be a search and selection committee for the annual awards. This will be composed of the mayor, who shall be the ex-officio chairman; city agriculture officer, the chairman of the committee on agriculture of the city council, the president of the Association of Barangay Councils, a representative of the Department of Agriculture-7, and representative of a duly accredited agriculture-oriented non-government organization that has worked closely with farmers in the upland barangays.

For the purpose of the first annual awards, which shall be given starting 2008, the search and selection committee shall, subject to the approval of the city council, promulgate the rules, criteria and or mechanics of the contest.

The awarding ceremonies will take place during the Cebu City Charter Day celebration in February of every year.

Pesquera, however, recommended that the first annual award shall commence on January 1, 2007 and end on December 31, 2007. Considering that the city government celebrates its Charter Week from February 14 to 24 every year, Pesquera suggested, "it would be better for the awarding ceremonies to fall within said celebration."

The committee also recommends that the winners shall be confirmed through a city council resolution in the same manner that the body confirms the awardees for the Outstanding Individuals and Institutions in the city.

Davide, who is the chairman of the committee on agriculture in the council, said the establishment of an annual award will provide the means of promoting, enhancing, instilling and drawing awareness and appreciation of the importance and contribution of the agriculture sector in the economic growth in the city.

"One such opportunity is to accord the farmers their rightful place and give them the recognition they deserve for their contribution to the community," Davide said.

Davide added the "capabilities of the marginalized farmers in the upland barangays will be greatly enhanced by the presence of opportunities that will further increase their enthusiasm to actively participate in the government's agriculture-related programs and activities." - Garry B. Lao