September 23, 2023
Melody Mendoza Aguiba
The Marcos Administration will carry out a capability building program for tobacco farmers on multiple cropping system that gives farmers alternative income amid health concerns raised against tobacco.
“We must seek ways to protect the livelihood of thousands of our tobacco farmers,” said Marcos through a speech delivered for him by Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc during the First International Tobacco Agricultural Summit.
“I urge the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the NTA (National Tobacco administration) — together with the academe and the private sector — to explore other crops that can be grown alongside tobacco so as to contribute to our goal of food security.”
Marcos sees the need to introduce alternative sources of income for tobacco farmers considering intensifying health concerns raised against tobacco.
“These past years, we had seen 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.”
Government is committed to safeguarding the livelihood of tobacco farmers, recognizing that it is a “vibrant catalyst for economic growth in the country” particularly in Mindanao and Northern Luzon.
In a separate farmers’ pre-tripartite conference in Vigan City, DA Undersecretary Deogracias Victor B. Savellano said DA and NTA will encourage farmers to similarly adopt a multiple cropping system.
Savellano said technical assistance will be extended to farmers so they may also plant rice, corn, sugarcane, vegetables, garlic, onion, and bamboo along with other high value crops.
Developing alternative livelihood for farmers, such as the planting of the versatile bamboo will enable farmers to no longer depend just on tobacco farming for income especially as health concerns confront the tobacco industry.
“Don’t forget my advocacy of planting bamboo which supports the daily needs of our farmers and fisherfolks. Bamboo plants are versatile and are used as trellis for vegetables, ‘katig’ for fishing boats, brace for fishpens,” said Savellano.
For one, bamboo is used as the device where cured tobacco leaves are hung.
Bamboo has 10,000 documented uses as wood, pulp and paper, and raw material in many industries.
Engaging in other businesses, such as livestock farming, will add a significant income for tobacco farmers.
“When purchasing power of farmers is high, they are able to contribute more to economic growth as they can increase consumption of Filipino-produced goods,” said Savellano.
The government is also implementing stricter regulations in ensuring illegal tobacco trade is curbed.
NTA Regulatory Head Robert Ambros said government’s revenue losses due to illicit tobacco trade is expected to exceed P30 billion by the end of the year.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that illegal tobacco trade involves products that are “untaxed and unregulated, with no health warnings, packaging or labeling requirements; which makes them cheaper, more readily available and accessible, especially to young and poor people.”
WHO said that eliminating illicit tobacco trade “will increase tobacco product prices, lower consumption, reduce premature deaths, and increase government revenues.”
DA-NTA has a coordinating mechanism with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs in fighting illegal trade. End
PHOTO DA Undersecretary Deogracias Victor B. Savellano (third from left) led a farmers’ consultative conference in Ilocos Sur
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