Aklan vice guv seeks more funding for agri

Aklan Vice Gov. Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo is seeking more budget for the implementation of more agriculture programs in the province to ensure food security.

Demand for food continues to grow because this resort-island is considered a premier tourism destination, she said.

Quimpo said that she will seek an increase in the budget for agriculture from the provincial government and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during the deliberation for the 2014 budget.

"We have an increasing demand for agricultural products for Boracay and we need more funds for agriculture to cope with the shortage of food supply,” Quimpo said.

The tourism sector here currently sources fruits and vegetables from other provinces such as Iloilo, Capiz, Antique, Guimaras, and Davao.

A report of the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) for August 2013 showed that agricultural harvest in the province is limited due to bad weather condition.

Limited harvest was reported by both the farmers and fishermen in the past weeks. Aklan continues to be a net importer of cattle, hog, dressed chicken and table eggs.

However, rice supply is expected to increase in the remaining quarter of the year due to the introduction of a new seeds to the farmers.