Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Aklan’s P1.19 Billion 2013 Budget

Mr. Odon S. Bandiola, secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Aklan reported that SP Aklan has completed the review of budget proposal of eight (8) provincial government departments. According to Bandiola, SP of Aklan through its committee on Appropriations, Finance and Ways and Means had completed the review of the budget proposals of the Office of the Governor, Provincial Agriculturist, Budget Office, Treasurer’s Office, Accounting Office, Human Resource Mgt. Office, Provincial Prosecutor’s Office and Public Attorney’s Office.

The Prosecutor’s Office and Public Attorney’s Office are national government offices but part of their maintenance and operating expenses is charged to the provincial government’s General Fund Budget.

In the 2013 budget, LGU Aklan has proposed P1.19 billion appropriation for General Fund and Economic Enterprise Development (EEDD). Of this proposed amount, P684.112 million will be spent for provincial government operation. The remaining amount is for EEDD.

While the provincial governor exercises full control of the budget appropriations of all executive and EEDD offices, the Office of the Provincial Governor has exclusive total appropriation of P172.301 million, Bandiola stressed.

Out of the P1.19 billion allocated for 2013, some P25.25 million will be spent for subsidy to LGUs, 3 million – subsidy for NGO/POs; P14 million – donations; P7 million – scholarships; P25.087 million – indigency program; P9 million intelligence expenses; and P2 million for sports development. 

A meager amount of P10.828 million will be spent for agriculture. This is a very cute amount considering agriculture as one of Aklan’s twin program. These may not be even enough for personal services. 

Moreover, part of the amount is envisioned to be spent for rice hybridization, Lambaklad, fruit and tree plantations, livestock farms and agri-aqua services. 

What a meager amount for a province which principal industry is agriculture and a great majority of the population are farmers. This explains why most of our farmers maintain their status as “depressed” and highly qualified to join the 4Ps.

The way I vision it, the present agricultural programs both national and provincial will not graduate the Aklanon farmers to food sufficiency, empowered and be among scientific producers of swine and dairy cattle without becoming congressman. They may not be political leaders; suffice that they have resources to sustain their requirements to live a decent life.

Kalibo Ati-atihan Preparation

According to Mr. Meñez, chairman of KASAFI, LGU Kalibo is now 80 percent prepared for the holding of the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival 2013. Meñez reported the funding sources, the sponsors, the promotions made to entice visitors to come and join the Ati-atihan 2013 festival in Kalibo.

One weakness Meñez pointed out is the inadequate fund to promote the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan. A suggestion made is for KASAFI to request business firms to include the Ati-atihan Festival in their spot announcement in radio/TV programs of international coverage such as in CNN and BBC. 

PNP Provincial Director Escarilla briefly discussed security and safety measure to follow in the maintenance of peace, order, and security during the Ati-atihan festival.

Some details of the Aklan Products Exhibits to be made in March 1-31, 2013 was also discussed in the recent meeting of the Aklan Provincial Tourism Council. This event will be done at the Intercon Hotel, Makati City. Indigenous Aklanon foods, fiber products from abaca, piña, buri, bariw will be featured among others. This project will be jointly handled by the Aklanon businessmen and LGU Aklan. /MP