Ordinance to utilize idle lands for agri production pushed

City Councilor Luis Marcaida III sponsored a proposed ordinance before the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Puerto Princesa that will allow farmers or farmers’ associations to utilize idle lands within the city that are suitable for agricultural production. He also proposed incentives to land owners who will allow their land to be utilized for such purpose.

“Ito yung mga lupa na hindi nagagalaw, mga lupa na nakatiwangwang lang. Kung may kausap sya na farmers’ association. Ang landowners naman ay maka-avail ng incentives kung ang kanyang lupa ay mag qualify based sa recommendation ng ating local Food Security Council,” he explained.

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Marcaida recalled that Puerto Princesa and Palawan experienced the lack of supply of vegetables and other agricultural crops especially those mainly sourced from Northern Luzon provinces, when travel restrictions were imposed during Covid-19 pandemic in 2020-2021.

“We are an island province. Wala tayong matatakbuhan na kapitbahay na probinsya. Naranasan natin nung pandemic na pati sibuyas kamatis kinukulang tayo. Kung ang mga landowners natin ay magtanim ng gulay sa kanilang backyard o ipahiram nila ang lupa sa mga farmers association at magamit ang kanyang lupa at mapagtaniman. Makakatulong ito. One hectare or kahit below 1-hectare, talagang makikita na it can provide and contribute to food security,” Marcaida explained.

Other key city officials are also present during the committee meeting including City Assessor Engr. Joven Baluyut, City Agriculturist Melissa U. Macasaet, representatives from the city treasurer’s office.

While the City Assessor and City Treasurer’s Office warned that offering tax incentives to landowners of idle lands might compromise the city’s revenue targets, they said that there are other means that may be explored.

They proposed a separate meeting that will discuss this aspect only, while Macasaet said that on that meeting they can also strategized on which specific idle lands are suited for livestock, fisheries or vegetable to attract also farmers who are engaged in livestock and fish farming.

City Councilor Elgin Robert Damasco, who chaired the committee on food, agriculture and fisheries, expressed his support to the ordinance. He said that the purposes and intent of which is for food security while putting idle lands into productive use.