Tobacco Prices in Ilocos

Source from:  Philippine Daily Inquirer 05/05/2010

What are your plans to help and uplift the lives of tobacco farmers in Ilocos Sur amid the government campaign against vices? Candidates for governor: EFREN RAFANAN (Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino): "Tobacco farmers, the rightful beneficiaries of Republic Act No. 7171 (law promoting the development of farmers in the Virginia tobacco-producing provinces), are deprived of funds … We should stop [misusing] RA 7171 funds and organize a genuine tobacco cooperative that is owned, managed and operated by tobacco farmers [using these funds] as seed capital. Other cash crops, like corn, must be introduced as alternative [to tobacco]. The most important thing is to finish all irrigation projects." LUIS "CHAVIT" SINGSON (Bileg): "I will work for the increase of tobacco prices … so farmers will get the best prices for their product. I will do everything to protect the industry because it is our main source of funds, RA 7171, which I authored when I was representative … I will also work to protect farmers' health because of their exposure to chemicals [in farms] … We need to help the tobacco industry [as] the demand for tobacco remains, and is even growing, in the country and worldwide [despite antismoking campaigns]." Interview by Leoncio Balbin Jr. Enditem