Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday committed over 40 billion pesos (some 960 million U.S. dollars) for a "master plan" which seeks to prevent the emerging world food crisis from severely affecting the country.
"Our program, for easy recall, will be called FIELDS," Arroyo said as she outlined the fund allotments for agriculture, based on the Department of Agriculture's list of recommendations that was drafted after a 40-day consultation meeting with farmers and agriculture leaders nationwide, Philippine TV network ANC reported.
FIELDS stands for fertilizer, irrigation and infrastructure, extension and education, loans, dryers and post-harvest facilities, and seeds and other genetic materials.
President Arroyo made the announcement before agriculture stakeholders and public officials during the National Food Summit.
Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said the amounts allotted will be spent by the government in the remaining years of Arroyo's presidency till 2010.
Arroyo said that with reports of corruption in the agriculture sector, she would have to appoint a Deputy Ombudsman for agriculture.
"Since farm spending may now be bigger, a deputy Ombudsman may be needed in agriculture," she said.
An Ombudsman in agriculture would initiate transparency and "ensure that money is spent wisely."
Source: Xinhua
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