By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

In an effort to minimize costs for rice farmers, Negros Occidental Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer said he wants the provincial government to set up rice-buying stations in the north, central, and southern areas of the province.
During yesterday’s Provincial Board regular session, the local legislative body approved a resolution setting aside P6 million for the purchase of palay from local rice farmers amid the reportedly low buying rate of P12 per kilogram.
Ferrer said he supports Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson’s plan for the provincial government to buy from local rice farmers.
“This crop subsidy program is a big help for our farmers even if it’s for a short-term basis only,” he explained. “Many businessmen take advantage of the situation and buy at very low prices.”
Ferrer called the provincial government’s P15 per kilogram rate “a price that is fair for our local rice farmers.”/DGB, WDJ