Yap wants NTA to stay

VIGAN CITY — Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap batted for the retention of the National Tobacco Administration (NTA), saying the government has to have a lead agency which will protect the welfare of the tobacco farmers.

Yap made the stand before the stakeholders of the tobacco industry — the top tobacco buyers and cigarette manufacturers, and farmers — who gathered here for the 2005 Tobacco Summit last Wednesday.

Officials of the Ilocos region, led by Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson, a staunch advocate of the tobacco industry, attended the summit.

"The NTA must stay," said Yap when Ilocos Sur Vice Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano asked him if there was a plan to abolish the agency.

A few months ago, the NTA was among the government agencies listed as in the red, along with the National Food Authority. Both are attached agencies of the Department of Agriculture.

Yap urged NTA officials, led by Administrator Carlitos Encarnacion, to focus on research and extension work. He also challenged tobacco farmers to raise the quality of their produce.