The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental yesterday approved a P40-million budget for the improvement of communal irrigation systems and for agricultural inputs that will help rice farmers in the province increase their productivity.

Of the P40 million, P30 million will be used for irrigation programs and P10 million for agricultural productivity, Governor Isidro Zayco said in his letter to the SP.

The P40 million appropriations forms part of the P91,975,008 supplemental budget number 3 of the Negros Occidental, which was endorsed for approval by Zayco, and unanimously concurred in by the provincial council during its regular session yesterday.

Negros Occidental, which is seeking to become rice self-sufficient, produces only 90 percent of its rice requirement, ranking 11th nationwide in rice production at 435,000 metric tons.

The 2008 Supplemental Budget No. 3 also included appropriations for the concrete paving of E.B. Magalona-San Isidro road for P3 million, additional work for the construction of Cooperative Bank – P360,000, irrigation project and productivity enhancement assistance – P3.8 million, loan payment to DBP – P16 million, various priority projects – P5 million, repair and maintenance of other machineries – P400,000, gasoline/oil/lubricants – P300,000.

Provincial Agriculturist Igmedio Tabianan had earlier said that, with more funds for the province’s agricultural program, he is optimistic that Negros Occidental will be able to achieve its food security goal.

He said the P40 million is on top of the P25 million earmarked for agriculture programs and projects from the 20 percent Development Fund.*GPB

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