EDITORIAL

Adjusting Priority On Agriculture

and Tourism

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

On September 12, 2009, Gov. Carlito S. Marquez in a presscon at Café Latte made two significant revelations namely: coalition of Tigyog and Kusog into United Leadership Coalition for the May 2010 election, and approval of Provincial Investment Plan for Health (2009-2013). The public viewed these as master strategy to protect cherished political agenda and consolidate party support. The report that incumbent Cong. Joeben T. Miraflores is now running unopposed makes it more revealing and effectual.

However, there are cracks on the way priority programs are handled albeit bungled by the provincial leadership. It should be recalled that in 2005 election, Gov. Marquez rallied on a platform of government that wage war against poverty. His slogan, "Owa’t ginaga-id sa kapobrehan" (Nobody is eternally tied on poverty) gained popular approval and support. He was subsequently elected on his emphasis for agriculture and tourism as twin engines of growth for Aklan.

Despite repeated positive pronouncements this aspect has not yet materialized over the last five years (2005–2010). People felt betrayed and confused that slogan to modernize agriculture, and tourism are overshadowed by another overriding concerns for health development.

Over the five year period from 2005–2009 agriculture, fisheries, and tourism have been pegged at one percent of the total provincial budget. Even health showed low priority at two percent. However, both United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommend 5-10 percent budget for agriculture and health respectively. Obviously, strong and healthy citizens are developed when nutritious food is always served on the family table. For third world economies like the Philippines, food security is immensely important.

Meanwhile, tourism generates localized jobs and income especially for international destinations like Boracay. Ironically, Provincial Tourism Code was only approved towards the end of 2009.

Agriculture, has for more than a century, remained as economic base of the country. Sixty four percent of exports are agricultural goods. It contributes 21 percent to Gross National Product (GNP). Fifty one percent of labor force is employed in agriculture and fisheries while 71 percent of the people constitute farming population.

Socio-economic status of farmers leaves nothing much to be desired. Majority are poor, underprivileged and unable to feed themselves. Liberal credit has dried up, farm prices dictated by informal money lenders. Basically, only 21.5 percent of 17,120 hectares rice land in Aklan is irrigated, the rest depends on rainfall. Dissatisfaction among farmers runs high over skyrocketing inputs, adverse occurrence of pest and diseases, all leading to marginalization.

Recent Social Weather Station (SWS) survey shows that 41 percent of total population in Aklan are living below poverty line. Feeling the pinch are farmers of Libacao and Madalag who are or will be recipients of government’s Pantawid Pampamilyang Pilipino Program.

Agriculture develop-ment mainly relies on annual capital investments that should reach if not exceed recommendation of UNDP. Plan must necessarily address present and future population projection. While Aklan’s population increases at 2.0 percent per year as data of Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) show, agricultural production is miserably lagging behind at 1.5 percent.

Tourism infra development in Boracay has already achieved its peak status. Danger signs of coastal erosion, water/air/noise pollution, and destruction of marine life and corral reefs need to be effectively managed on sustainable basis. Relevant questions are: Can our succeeding generation be able to enjoy this nature’s beauty and bounty in their lifetime? Will the goose be able to lay its "golden eggs" in relative comfort and security?

Gov. Marquez under the approved Provincial Investment Plan for Health appropriates a total of P600 million as 50 per cent equity to the loan grant of the European Union. This is equivalent to P120 million per year or budgetary increase from two to 86 percent.

There is under-standably a cogent reason to prioritize health considering that our district hospitals and health centers desperately need physical upgrading of facilities and equipment. However, development must be pragmatic and rationa-lized based on need and available money. This is where countryside development fund (CDF) of Cong. Miraflores may come in as plausible solution. Definitely, it is teamwork and solidarity.

Much has already been invested on health. The Provincial govern-ment contracted a loan of P129 million in 2007 for construction and renovation of DRSTMH. Nursing School building is also a loan of P45 million in 2008. Under the Plan, a total of P425 million is programmed over the five year period to upgrade physical health infra.

Gov. Marquez needs to rectify loopsided priority on agriculture and tourism since it is our only hope of survival in this climate of economic recession. Although health care must be expanded, common sense dictates that this would be limited to 10. percent of total budget. Indeed, health concerns in an unhealthy environment tend to create negative impact and do not auger well for a sound fiscal policy. Plainly, the Governor’s integrity and credibility is at stake on this particular issue.

There is a need to adjust priority with respect to target and budget. /MP