KIKO: AN EFFICIENT IRRIGATION SYSTEM KEY TO RICE CRISIS

The apparent rice crisis in the country may be remedied by institutionalizing national measures which include a more efficient irrigation system and stricter penalties for corrupt agriculture officials, Senate Majority Leader and Independent senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan today proposed.

"We have vast agricultural lands, withal their potential fecundity, but the immediate concern is the lack of access to irrigation. Efficient irrigation projects would double or even triple our rice production since our farmers will have more than one harvest cycle in a year. Funds have been allocated and in fact spent for agricultural programs, but we are still experiencing a rice situation now. It appears that the funds have not been used properly, since if they are, rice supply would not be a present issue," Kiko said.

"There must also be stricter measures in monitoring how agricultural funds are being used. Corrupt agriculture officials must be prosecuted without delay, emphasizing on their accountability for misappropriation or malversation. Kahit anong gawin nating pagkaka-isa at pakikipagtulungan para mabigyan ng solusyon ang mga problema ng bansa, kung mayroon naman mga makasarili, hindi tatagal an gating mga solusyon. Ibubulsa lang nila nag pag-asa natin. Kailangan silang panagutin agad," Kiko stressed.