
By: Mona Lagbas
El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental_Former Interior Department Secretary and senatorial aspirant Benhur Abalos Thursday proposed major amendments to the 1991 Local Government Code if elected to the Upper House this May. In an exclusive interview with the Mindanao Reporter, Abalos lamented the confusion among LGUs as to which entity would implement projects, especially infrastructure developments. He added that not all barangays can afford to construct roads, so Abalos suggests that mayors or governors should implement these. "Kawawa naman ang mga barangay kung hindi sila makatulong sa kanilang mga komunidad kung kapus sila sa pondo," said Abalos. "In the case of low-income provinces, the national government should step in, so I will craft legislation that would give LGUs more chances and resources to better serve their constituents,"disclosed Abalos, who also served as mayor and as representative of Mandaluyong. On the other hand, Abalos advocates for more subsidies for fisherfolk and farmers, saying that fishing and farming inputs should be given more funding, especially with the rising prices of necessities for their trade. He said farmers should be assisted for them to be able to afford to buy sizable land for them to cultivate. "Crop insurance not be limited to rice and corn only but should also cover other high-value crops. Also, children of certified farmers and fisherfolk should be accommodated in private agricultural schools and given food allowances, "added Abalos. Abalos was a guest speaker during the 95th founding anniversary celebration of Misamis Oriental and he also donated a sizable amount for all five contingents that participated in the 12th Kuyamis Festival streetdancing competition in this chartered city.
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