Gov. Salceda Praises Sen. Poe’s Plans on Agriculture Sector

Renowned political icon in the Bicol Region Albay Gov. Joey Salceda praises Sen. Grace Poe’s plans to allocate P300 billion in the annual budget solely for the agriculture sector. According to Gov. Salceda the plans of Sen. Grace Poe, the governor’s chosen candidate for President is the best thing he has heard among the economic platforms offered by any presidential candidates.

Poe Salceda

The statement of the governor in Albay was released during a press conference with Sen. Poe and her running mate Sen. Fracis “Chiz” Escudero in Legazpi City, Albay. He was quoted as saying “This is by far the most radical pronouncement I’ve heard from anybody in this election.”

According to the former economic adviser of President Arroyo, by increasing the budget for agriculture five-fold, farmers and fisher folk would be able to “pull the rug from under the businessmen” who have controlled the more lucrative lending, trading and marketing aspects of the business.

The governor was quoted as saying “Ordinary farmers will not be held by the neck by businessmen anymore. Agriculture accounts for 17 percent of GDP (gross domestic product) but it accounts for less than two percent of the total P3.3 trillion budget,” said Salceda.

Sen. Grace Poe revealed her plans for the agriculture sector based on her 20-point economic proposal, under Poe administration they would allocate at least P300 billion for agriculture starting on their first year in office that would be used to provide free irrigation, build more 28,000 kilometers of farm to market roads, subsidies, livelihood support and technology upgrades.

According to Presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe, the agriculture sector will be used to as a means to pursue an inclusive growth strategy to ensure that the economy’s fortunes trickle down to the bulk of the population. Sen. Grace Poe also proposed to step up government’s marketing of local farm produce; establish more agro-industrial zones; and declare more marine sanctuaries.

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