Land Bank to partner with NegOr LGUs for food security program

by Rachelle M. Nessia

DUMAGUETE CITY, July 19 (PIA) --- To bolster food security in the countryside, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) will link with local government units (LGUs), rural banks and cooperatives in Negros Oriental to implement measures that will increase agricultural productivity. 

Mayors in the second congressional district here recently met with LBP First Vice President and Regional Manager Ruel Romarate to discuss how the state-owned bank can tie-up with the LGUs to capacitate local farmers and fisherfolks with the ultimate goal of attaining food self-sufficiency. 

Romarate disclosed that under LBP's Food Supply Chain Program (FSCP) which was launched October 2010, the bank will seek out partners in the countryside to create a food supply chain. 

“This chain will start with the producers such as farmers and fisherfolks for an increased food production, then increased income for them leading to an increased economic activity,” he said. 

Upon the suggestion of former Finance Secretary and LBP President Margarito Teves who also attended said forum, Romarate will visit towns and cities in Negros Oriental to meet with local producers, farmers and fisherfolks and urge them to get on board said program. 

“We will prioritize LGUs with a big number of Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries,” said Romarate. 

The LBP official hopes that their campaign will result to numerous tie-ups between the bank and LGUs here due to an existing strong partnership between LBP and the LGUs in the province. 

Almost 50 percent of LBP's portfolio in Negros Oriental stem from LGUs, particularly in the second district where Romarate said their biggest portfolio lies. (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental).