MORE NEWS, BENGUET

Cut in prices of farm inputs urged: No rollback in prices despite lower oil rate
By Dexter See

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Groups of farmers and traders in this vegetable-producing province urged concerned government agencies l;ast week to work for reduction in the prices of farm inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides.

The prices of farm inputs went up a few months ago because of the soaring prices of petroleum, which is the common raw-material base of fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides, the groups said.

But despite the recent series of reductions in the prices of petroleum, there is no rollback in the prices of farm inputs, they said.

They said a cut in the prices of agricultural inputs could back efforts aimed at ensuring a sufficient supply of locally grown vegetables. This could also lead to lower prices of vegetables, they also said.

Because the prices of fuel oil have substantially gone down in the global market, it is but proper for the concerned government agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture and the Fertilizers and Pesticides Authority, to take action to reduce the prices of farm inputs.

The prevailing price of fertilizers is P2,250 per 50-kilo sack, almost 100 percent higher than the P1,200 price a few months ago, they said.

The same situation holds true for the prices of pesticides and other chemical-based farm inputs, the groups said.

Because of the high cost of farm inputs, some 75 percent of the number of vegetable farmers in the different towns in the Cordillera reduced their farm areas by over 50 percent.


This, in turn, resulted in an abnormal shortage of highland vegetables and, consequently high prices of the crops, they said.


However, DA officials in the Cordillera denied claims of production shortage despite the the fact the daily volume of vegetables brought to the trading post here has significantly gone down.

The farmers and traders said it is unfortunate that multinationals producing fertilizers and other refuse farm inputs are not taking the initiative to lower the prices of their products as they are taking advantage of the situation.

If DA and FPA are really concerned about the welfare of the farmers as well consumers, they should work hard for the reduction in the prices of farm inputs, they said,

The groups also noted that the fertilizer subsidy provided by the DA to the farmers is useless because the dealers have increased their prices.


Foster homes, financial aid sought for BSU coeds

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The Parents, Teachers and Community Association (PTCA) of the Benguet State University-Secondary Laboratory School (BSU-SLS) launched last week their new project called “An Aid for the Youth Desiring Education to Overcome Adversities” that seeks financial donors and foster homes for students they described as “less fortunate but struggling.”

PTCA president and Barangay Pico Kagawad Wyler O. Lubos said the project is aimed at alleviating the plight of at least 37 high school students who were identified by the ad hoc committee headed by PTCA Public Relations Officer Fidel Apolonio.

This came about after a series of deliberations by the PTCA Board that tasked the committee to identify and background-check SLS students who were in dire need of financial support and dormitory accommodations.

In letters sent out to BSU alumni and possible donors, Lubos and the PTCA board appealed for “understanding, compassion and generous support for the students through cash donations or foster parenting.”

Founded in 1916, the school prides itself for graduating alumni associations grouped under different school names starting from the Trinidad Experimental Farm Station (TEFS), Trinidad Farm School (TFS), Trinidad Agricultural School (TAS), Trinidad National Agricultural School (TNAS), Mountain National Agricultural School (MNAS), Mountain National Agricultural College (MNAC), Mountain State Agricultural School (MSAS), Mountain Agricultural College (MAC), Mountain State Agricultural College (MSAC) and, Benguet State University (BSU).

The officers further urged the PTCA Board to find other remedies to ease the plight of the 37 students in need of financial assistance and lodging.

Alumni members, other donors and interested parties may get in touch with PTCA president Lubos at mobile CP no. 09205170418; PTCA assistant secretary Brenda B. Allay at CP no. 09082298995 or PTCA PRO Apolonio at CP no. 09283341115. They may also be contacted at the BSU-SLS office at telephone no. (074) 422-2127 local 26. – March Fianza