If elected, VP Binay to modernize PHL agriculture with private sector help

Vice President Jejomar Binay said his administration will tap the private sector to help modernize the agriculture sector through developing farm infrastructure.

At the first leg of PiliPinas Debates 2016, Binay was asked, "Maraming magsasaka ang baon po sa utang pagkatapos ng anihan dahil sa hiniram na pera... May plano ba kayo na tulungan ang ating magsasaka na hindi naman madedehado ang mga mamimili?"

The solution is to modernize agriculture, Binay replied, noting it can be accomplished via partnerships with sectors that will fund the infrastructure requirements.

"Dapat ho tayo ay mang-akit pa... ng mga magkakapital para doon sa mga infrastructure requirements," he said.

Binay pointed out that farmers tend to lose more during post-harvest than what they earn from the harvest itself.

He said his administration will support farmers in their post-harvest expenses, adding that this is similar to what he did as mayor of Makati for several terms.

The Vice President said government subsidy will be coursed through the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

"Maganda po ang intensyon doon (CARP). Pero among others, that is to make the lands productive. Kasama na ho diyan 'yung mga magsasaka na sinasabi n'yo na naghihirap dahil 'yung parte ng CARP na 'yon tutulungan, isa-subsidize, a-assist-ehan ng ating pamahalaan – fertilizer, other post-harvest requirements," he said.

Binay added that the farmers should not be made to pay for irrigation anymore.

Poe rebuttal

In her 60-second rebuttal, Sen. Grace Poe agreed that irrigation should be free of charge.

However, she added that the next administration should look at building up "added value" for farmers.

Poe said there should be "agro-industrial zones," where the Departments of Agriculture and of Trade and Industry will market agriculture products.

She pointed out the need to testing the soil and explore other crop options for farmers, most of whom plant palay and corn.

She called for replanting coconut trees using the coco levy funds and exploring other products that can be produced from this.

Nothing to refute

In his 30-second counter-rebuttal, Binay said he didn't have anything to refute in her statement, adding, "Pareho naman po kami ni Senadora sa assistance and subsidy."

He added that the farmers should also go beyond planting rice, corn, and coconut.

"Marami po tayong lupa na angkop sa high-yielding crops," he said. – VS, GMA News