Protect livelihood of tobacco farmers— Marcos
Published Aug 2, 2023 07:00 am
The government must find ways to protect the livelihood of tobacco farmers in the country, given the significant tax revenues coming from the industry.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Noel Pabalate)
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. emphasized this in his message during the International Tobacco Agricultural Summit on Wednesday, Aug. 2. Marcos cited that in these past years, there has been "so much change in our health policies that affected the tobacco industry." "As such, we must seek ways to protect the livelihood of thousands of our tobacco farmers. Hence, this summit is a good opportunity to discuss strategies to innovate the industry in ways that safeguard the wellbeing of people and the environment," he said. The President stressed that the tobacco industry has become "a vibrant catalyst for economic growth in the country," especially in parts of Northern Luzon and Mindanao. "For many of our people, it is an indispensable bedrock that generates income, livelihood, opportunities, and employment, particularly in areas where its cultivation spans generations and holds pivotal significance in the way of life of its communities. It is a significant source of tax revenues that are used to fund government programs," he further said. In his message delivered by his nephew, llocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, Marcos expressed hopes that the ideas and best practices that will be shared in the summit would be of use to the government in coming up with measures that will promote responsible agricultural practices, ensure jobs and livelihood for tobacco farmers, and address requirements for food security. The Chief Executive also urged the Department of Agriculture (DA), which he heads, the National Tobacco Administration, academe, and the private sector to explore other crops that can be grown alongside tobacco, so it can also contribute to the administration's goal of food security. He told them to keep exploring and engaging in profound, future-driven discussions that would help the tobacco farming and its allied industries.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Noel Pabalate)
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. emphasized this in his message during the International Tobacco Agricultural Summit on Wednesday, Aug. 2. Marcos cited that in these past years, there has been "so much change in our health policies that affected the tobacco industry." "As such, we must seek ways to protect the livelihood of thousands of our tobacco farmers. Hence, this summit is a good opportunity to discuss strategies to innovate the industry in ways that safeguard the wellbeing of people and the environment," he said. The President stressed that the tobacco industry has become "a vibrant catalyst for economic growth in the country," especially in parts of Northern Luzon and Mindanao. "For many of our people, it is an indispensable bedrock that generates income, livelihood, opportunities, and employment, particularly in areas where its cultivation spans generations and holds pivotal significance in the way of life of its communities. It is a significant source of tax revenues that are used to fund government programs," he further said. In his message delivered by his nephew, llocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, Marcos expressed hopes that the ideas and best practices that will be shared in the summit would be of use to the government in coming up with measures that will promote responsible agricultural practices, ensure jobs and livelihood for tobacco farmers, and address requirements for food security. The Chief Executive also urged the Department of Agriculture (DA), which he heads, the National Tobacco Administration, academe, and the private sector to explore other crops that can be grown alongside tobacco, so it can also contribute to the administration's goal of food security. He told them to keep exploring and engaging in profound, future-driven discussions that would help the tobacco farming and its allied industries.