Abra gov disputes ‘discrimination’ in aggie funds release

By Dexter See

BANGUED, Abra – Gov. Eustacio Bersamin disputed reports Abra was one of poor provinces discriminated upon by some government agencies in allocation of projects, saying the province received so much from the national government since he assumed office as the province’s chief executive on June 2007.

He said around P110 million has been released by the national government to this province for sustainable agriculture development programs to boost its economy.

Bersamin added the Department of Agriculture recently released P50 million for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the Lagayan-La Paz irrigation project and another P50 million for completion of the project.

The National Irrigation Authority reportedly also released P10 million for the repair of the irrigation system for the farms in San Juan up to Dolores, Abra where there are vast tracts of agricultural lands, he said.

Last year, President Arroyo told the people in her visits to various towns of the province that she will spearhead efforts to make Abra and Apayagraduate from the group of the 12 poorest provinces of the country.

He reported Abra has a lot of potentials in terms of economic development. Abra, he said, could become progressive if its resources are tapped.

He said an economic boom in the province would help improve the living condition of poor people, particularly those in remote communities.

Aside from the projects that are intended to improve the agriculture sector in the province, Bersamin’s administration is also working on the promotion of the bamboo and bamboo products.

Bersamin said the projects could generate more jobs for the people.