A lawmaking tandem from Abra is pushing for the passage of a measure that seeks to fast-track the construction of agro-processing centers in every province in the country.
Through House Bill (HB) No. 6514 or the “AgriBoost bill”, Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos and Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos are calling for the speedy implementation of a mechanism for the construction of provincial agro-processing centers (PAPCs) catering to rice, corn, coffee, and root crops.
“The climate crisis is forcing governments around the world to adapt. As weather phenomena become greater in intensity, we must take the steps to ensure that our produce are not always at the mercy of the elements,” Ching Bernos said in a news release Thursday.
Through the AgriBoost bill, she said farmers could avoid the spoilage of their crops, which has become a regular occurrence due to the lack of storage facilities in the country.
The bill mandates the establishment of an Accelerated Provincial Agro-Processing Centers Program tasked with constructing, upgrading, or certifying at least one PAPC within five years of its enactment.
The program would be modeled after the Classroom-Building Accelerated Program, and would authorize local government units to enter into joint ventures, build-operate-transfer, lease, or management agreements with the private sector for the construction and operation of facilities.
JB Bernos, meamwhile, said the PAPCs would include two farmer representatives on their board to ensure their participation.
The rest of the board includes the provincial agriculturist as chairperson, a regional representative of the Department of Agriculture, and a representative from the private sector.
“This measure would also help reduce farmer dependence on traders and middlemen, increase rural employment through agro-industrialization, and ensure that the benefits of agricultural growth reach the producers themselves,” he said.
“Dagdag pa rito, maiiwasan din ang mataas na gastos sa transportasyon, handling, at storage ng ating mga ani. Maaari rin nating i-target ang exportasyon ng ating mga produkto (In addition, the high cost of transportation, handling and storage will be avoided. The export of farmers’ produce can now be targeted).” he added. (PNA)