Banayo to run for Congress

MANILA, Philippines - National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Angelito Banayo confirmed yesterday that he has resigned from his post effective Sept. 30 to run for Congress.

In his address to NFA employees during the agency’s 40th anniversary celebration in Taguig City yesterday, Banayo said he is intent on pursuing legislation on food security and on clearing NFA of its P143-million debt.

Banayo is running for congressman in the first district of Agusan del Norte. Next week, he will file his candidacy under the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).

In Butuan City, however, former councilor Teodoro Emboy, president of the United Boholanos of Butuan, yesterday said the entry of Banayo in the Agusan political race does not excite local voters who he said are mostly urban and rural poor.

Agusan del Norte’s first district is composed of Butuan City which has 50 rural and 36 urban barangays, and Las Nieves town.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala has yet to recommend Banayo’s replacement at NFA.– With Ben Serrano