LGU’s COMMIT 50% OF IRA FOR FOOD PRODUCTION
The country’s provincial governors have committed 50 percent of their internal revenue allotment (IRA) differentials amounting to P12.57 billion for food production.
The amount represents the IRA differentials due the local government units (LGUs) for 2001-2004.
Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone, secretary-general of the League of Provinces, said local officials fully support efforts by the Arroyo administration to address the rice shortage, and for the country to eventually attain self-sufficiency in rice.
Based on the on-going massive government program to increase rice production, the Department of Agriculture (DA) assured that the country will attain rice self-sufficiency in three years.
Evardone said about P6 billion would be used by the LGUs to buy certified seeds, post-harvest facilities and other farm implements “to help boost food production” in the country.
Earlier, the President signed Executive Order 723, ordering the release of P12.57 billion for the IRA differentials for fiscal years 2001 to 2004. (PIA/Bohol)
