TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines- An official of the Provincial Government of Cagayan said sustainability of agricultural and aqua cultural products in the province are their priority, amid possibility of exporting products in countries such as Canada.
“I think in any agriculture [and] aquaculture effort, sustainability is the number one consideration,” Cagayan government Chief of Staff lawyer Maria Rosario Mamba-Villaflor said.
This after Villaflor reported that there is a good opportunity for Cagayan to showcase its products in Canada, after attending an investment and trade mission in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
In Pagdidinnamagan: Kapehan sa Kapitolyo on Monday, November 20, Villaflor said that, in order to ensure sustainability, it is high time to discipline fisherfolk and farmers.
“If you cannot sustain your resources, how can you help everyone na makinabang?,” she added.
The capitol chief of staff said the country has necessary laws in place and that its is a “matter of implementation” that is the issue.
She said fisherfolk must follow Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources regulations on fishing such as the on season-off season catching of fish.
Meanwhile, farmers must maintain the quality of agricultural products by maximizing the first three months of the year; and that this will also help address the province’s dilemma during typhoon season, Villaflor said.
Having insights from agricultural analysts and ministers in Canada, the lawyer also said that farmers and fisherfolk must consider food security; and to see that they provide enough for the province but have the capability to export as well.
Export Meat
Meanwhile, Villaflor also said Canada is reportedly eyeing the Philippines as a potential exporter of meat. She said this was possibly because the country “can produce meat all year round” compared to Canada which experiences snow.
When asked if the province can become an exporter of meat, Villaflor said, “I think it’s not impossible for us to make it happen.”
Yet, she said that this will depend on how well the province produces its of livestock animals, based on the data from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist and Provincial Veterinary Office.
Villaflor said that the province has “quite a number” of pasture lands and ranches, especially in Calayan island, but the provincial government has yet to make commitments to Canada.
The willingness of business community and ranch owners will also factor in, Villaflor added.
“We should also support owners of ranches kasi puwede naman yan na magtulongtulong sila in coming up with the necessary supplies that the province can produce to support the demand,” she said. Northernforum.net
