|
Congressman Arnaiz Bats For
Free Irrigation System To Farmers
Written by Edmund B. Sestoso -May 26, 2008-Sun Star Dumaguete
NEGROS Oriental 2nd District Representative George Arnaiz has pushed for
the provision of the free irrigation to farmers in the province and
elsewhere in the country, thereby removing mandated fees that bar them
from maximizing production, particularly among rice farmers.
Arnaiz said he would be filing a bill that would eventually remove
restrictive fees imposed by the government, which are supposed to be
considered as one component of the basic services.
The provision of irrigation systems is presently handled by the National
Irrigation Administration (NIA), a government-owned corporation.
The lawmaker said he could not understand why the government has to
extract fees from the farmers who are using the irrigation system when in
fact it is the same sector that should have been freely provided by such.
Arnaiz made known his move during a public hearing of the House Committee
on Agriculture and Food held in Dumaguete City to determine what areas
that needs to be improved in the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization
Act (Afma).
He said the provision of irrigation should be regarded similar to the
construction of roads and bridges and infrastructure projects.
"Kana diayng maghimo ta ug dalan ug taytayan, ayo diayng pabayron nang mga
tawo o mga sakyanan nga magsigi ug agi agi?" the lawmaker stressed.
Arnaiz’s move has got the full support of the Committee on Agriculture and
Food chaired by Representative Abraham Kahlil Mitra, who was around during
the public hearing.
Arnaiz said he has already instructed his secretary to draw up some needed
requisites prior to the filing of the bill, which will free the farmers
from the burden of payments of the irrigation system.
|
