NFA Quirino execs laud, thank PGMA

Cabarroguis, Quirino (30 July) — Provincial Manager Emmanuel L. Villanueva and Asst. Manager Patricio Avila Sr. of the National Food Authority (NFA) here have lauded President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo citing her courage in stabilizing the economy of the country despite the global crisis and that the President did not allow the false accusations of her critic to dampen her spirit in introducing reforms in the country.

The NFA officials also expressed their gratitude to the administration for sustaining her promise to uplift the living condition of the poor farmers.

In an interview, Villanueva said the President has been working very hard to improve the economy and that she has done her part in saving the ailing economy caused by the global financial crisis.

Reacting to the President’s State of the Nation Address, The NFA manager said he believed in PGMA’s report that the country has strong economy despite the global economic crisis, citing the various programs and projects particularly in agriculture being implemented by the government.

Villanueva also said the continuing NFA support prices of P17/kg of corn and P13.30kg of palay have been contributing a lot particularly in increasing the farmers’ income and in stabilizing the prices of rice and corn in the market.

He added that these support prices have been controlling the private traders from buying the farmers’ produce at low prices.

The provincial manager explained that the CMAPIPULGU program of the NFA and the provincial government headed by Gov. Dakila Carlo E. Cua is a big help because they were able to offer higher prices as compared to prices offered by private traders.

Vilanueva also assured that the 48,000 bags of rice stocks in the province is sufficient till the harvest season.

Meanwhile Asst Manager Patricio Avila Sr. said that the Tindahan Natin Outlets continue to sell rice at P18.25 to cater the rice needs of the poor. “We have provided these TNO’s with the list of the poorest of the poor people in every barangay who were identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), to be sure that only these people will be served.

Avila said that the President should not be blamed if poverty can not be totally eradicated in the country. “We cannot zero in poverty unless we could correct most people’s belief that they are poor,” he added.

Avila stressed that the problems of too much politics, overpopulation and others should be addressed so that the problems of poverty will be solved. (PIA 2)