Vice gov says Aklan should focus on commercial agriculture

Outgoing Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo urged those that will take over the next Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) to focus in prioritizing commercial agriculture.

Quimpo said that for several years, the Aklan provincial government, in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, has been encouraging farmers to focus on backyard farming.

“We need more farm inputs not only for our food security but also to feed our increasing number of tourists coming to Boracay,” said Quimpo.

Both the Qantas Airways and the Conde Nast Travel have listed Boracay Island as one of the best beaches in the world.

For several years, Aklan could not adequately supply the demand for food in Boracay and has, instead, sourced vegetable, fruits, livestocks and eggs from Davao, Iloilo, Baguio and the Mindoro provinces, among others.

“The Aklan province needs more commercial agricultural investors to ensure food supply. Currently, there are only two investors on commercial agriculture as still this is not enough,” she said.