By KHRISCIELLE YALAO

Presidential aspirant and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso vowed on Thursday, Feb. 17, to fulfill his commitments to aid, support, and protect Filipino farmers in the Northern and Central Luzon if he wins in the upcoming elections.

During his visit to San Fernando, La Union, Domagoso expounded on his plans for the growth of the agricultural sector as part of his campaign’s 10-point Bilis Kilos Economic Agenda.

Domagoso expressed his desire to boost the agricultural sector in order to raise the living standards of Filipino farmers and their families.

If elected, Domagoso said his administration will ease the financial burdens carried by Filipino farmers by raising their income and lowering the cost of agricultural production.

The government will also buy the surplus produce of farmers at reasonable prices.

Domagoso said he will provide and enhance farming technologies to help facilitate a more convenient and productive routine for farmers.

Irrigation systems will be improved, new irrigation infrastructure will be built, and more efficient post-harvest methods such as establishing cold storages in production areas will be created.

Domagoso’s administration will also establish a Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, invest in strengthening agricultural institutions, and promote education on agriculture in order to instill institutions that will benefit Filipino farmers.

He lamented the dwindling production of vegetable crops such as garlic and onions in Northern and Central Luzon due to increased importation, as well as the fluctuating prices of wheat and rice.

“Itong lugar na ito, Northern Luzon and Central Luzon, which is the food basket ng ating bansa, is greatly affected by negligence on the part of agencies of government by not protecting their crops, particularly sa panahon ng pag-ani (These areas, Northern Luzon and Central Luzon, which are the food basket of our country, are greatly affected by the negligence on the part of agencies of the government by not protecting their crops, particularly during harvest season),” Domagoso said.

To address the issue of importation, Domagoso said he will issue guidelines that will prioritize local production by accommodating local producers first in the market before importation.

Domagoso also said he will strictly institute methods to address smuggling of agricultural products.