Abella bares plan to make agriculture a mega-industry, solve hunger

Presidential aspirant and former Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella on Wednesday presented an economic agenda to solve hunger and poverty in the country.

“Itataguyod po natin ang agrikultura na maging isang mega-industry upang wala ang gutom ng 12 million Pilipino, upang maibsan ang 40% na naghihirap na Pilipino, at upang maging mega-industry ang agriculture at dagdag sa ating gross domestic product (GDP) kontra inflation,” Abella said in the Campaign S.A.F.E. Comelec e-Rally Channel aired on Wednesday.

[We will promote agriculture to become a mega-industry to eliminate the hunger of 12 million Filipinos and alleviate the suffering of 40% of Filipinos. And to make agriculture a mega-industry and increase our GDP against inflation.]

Abella vowed to implement an efficient tax collection by 60%. “Let us pay what is due to the nation of the Philippines.”

He said he would implement a continuous streamlining of government permits and management systems of local government units (LGUs) and national agencies to address corruption.

The presidential aspirant said he would accelerate annual infrastructure spending to 5% of GDP with private and public partnerships, playing a key role.

“Pwede po natin ipagpatuloy yung gains na nangyayari sa ating Build Build Build at hindi lang po yun wag lang po natin iwan sa basta roads lang let us make sure isang seamless infrastructure ang mangyari sa atin,” Abella said.

[We can continue the Build Build Build program and not only just road constructions, let us make sure a seamless infrastructure.]

He said he would also ensure a security of land tenure to encourage investments.

“We will also provide housing incentives for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) willing to move to agri powerhouse and tourism project endeavors doon po sa probinsya (in the province),” Abella said.

He added that he would boost innovative tourism projects to support MSMEs.

Abella underscored the need to invest in art and entertainment, adding that it can be used as a “marketing arm” for the export industry.

He said that he would invest in renewable energy, citing that he will lower the energy costs.

Abella, a former presidential spokesperson of the Duterte administration, said he also planned to continue the 10-point socio-economic agenda of the current administration.

“We can build on the past successes of our past governments and build today and build on tomorrow, so that we can ensure continuity in our progress and economy,” he added.

Abella is running as an independent candidate. —NB, GMA News