Bukidnon Rep. Manuel Zubiri has sought additional funding for Department of Agriculture operations to contain the infestation of fall army worms (FAW) that have threatened vast corn fields and other crops in Region 10.
Zubiri made the proposal as he warned that FAW infestation that has continued over several months in areas in Bukidnon and other areas in Region 10 could affect the food security program which is also under threat by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reacting to Zubiri’s appeal, Agriculture Secretary William Dar assured the House Committee on Agriculture of increased “help” to farmers in Region 10.
“We will see to it that against FAW, we will be successfully because this will affect our corn areas,” said Dar.
He added: “We have to fully implement the national program against this FAW.”
The destructive FAW has invaded cornfields in Bukidnon, Cotabato, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, and Davao region.
In a virtual hearing presided over by Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, the DA disclosed that it is proposing a P284.4-billion budget for 2021, representing an increase of 255.96 percent from its current allocation.
Enverga asked for the submission of a list of priority programs that will require support from the House.
He also called on the DA to further strengthen the Agricultural Guarantee Fund Pool that will mitigate the risks involved in agricultural lending and encourage banks to be more supportive of credit program for the agricultural sector.