By Freddie Lazaro
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte -- Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee R. Marcos had proposed an exchange training program for tobacco growers of the provinces of Isabela and Ilocos Norte during her recent short visit in Cauayan City and its nearby towns.
Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos (ERWIN BELEO/MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
She said her proposal is aimed at strengthening the countryside’s tobacco industry as she cited the importance of export quality products of tobacco.
Both Isabela and Ilocos Norte are agricultural provinces and producers of quality Burley and Virginia tobacco, respectively. Both varieties have high export demands.
According to the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA), Virginia tobacco made up the 86.1 percent of the total 957.73 metric tons of tobacco yield from October to December last year. It is the variety used for most types of cigarettes.
With this, Imee said, “I’m strongly proposing the existence of exchange training on tobacco production wherein Ilocano farmers come here to Isabela and administer training to your farmers, specifically on how to grow and produce quality Virginia Tobacco.
“In return, we ask the province of Isabela to teach us how to grow different crops, including Burley tobacco,” Imee added, citing Isabela’s cash crop munggo (bean).
Meanwhile, Isabela Gov. Faustino “Bojie” Dy recalled the legacy of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos to the agriculture industry of the province, saying, “Our very own province of Isabela becomes well-known and number one in agriculture sector due to Marcos family.”
“The agricultural infrastructure projects and programs of late president Ferdinand Marcos remain benefiting our farmers and our residents in our province,” Dy said..
Agriculture and infrastructure projects implemented in Isabela during the Marcos presidency include the Magat Dam, the National Irrigation Administration, Maharlika Highway, and Cauayan Domestic Airport.
Dy added that Isabela hopes that Imee will “go” for a Senate seat.
While still undecided on running for the Senate, Imee nevertheless received assurance of “Solid North” support from Dy, together with other local officials from the municipalities of Alicia, Aurora, Echague, Luna, San Manuel and the City of Cauayan.
Dy added that Isabela hopes that Imee will “go” for a Senate seat.
While still undecided on running for the Senate, Imee nevertheless received assurance of “Solid North” support from Dy, together with other local officials from the municipalities of Alicia, Aurora, Echague, Luna, San Manuel and the City of Cauayan.