NTA, PGIS DELIVER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TOBACCO FARMERS

Dr. Robert Seares Sr., the new National Tobacco Administrator, who is from neighboring province of Abra came to the Ilocos Sur Provincial Capitol to deliver financial assistance for the Tobacco Farmers in this province. In joint coordination with the Provincial Government, the agency was able to allocate 103.5 million pesos purposely to uplift the Tobacco Industry. The One hundred million pesos was given to those farmers whose tobacco farms were devastated by Super Typhoon Lawin last October 2016. The other 3.5 million pesos was given to the different Tobacco Farmers Association for the establishment of curing barn. A total of nine thousand tobacco farmers from the municipalities of Sinait, Cabugao, San Juan, Magsingal, Burgos, Sta.Cruz. Quirino, San Emilio, Tagudin and Candon City were benefited from these projects. Governor Ryan Singson said that the Tobacco Industry has been one of the pillars of success of Ilocos Sur. He further said that the proceeds of RA 7171 or the tobacco excise tax brings a lot of development such as the construction of several post-harvest facilities, farm-to-market roads, and provision of different farm implements. “We became a first class province with the great help of RA 7171. Tobacco is the lifeblood of our province that is why we should sustain and improve this industry,” Gov. Singson added. Now that the coordination of NTA and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur is strengthened, Gov. Singson wants to have a proper pricing of Tobacco products and he plans to establish a Tobacco Farmers’ Training Center here in the province. #  Source –  PIO Ilocos Sur