National Tobacco Administrator (NTA) Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Robert Victor Seares Jr. praised Mayor Eduardo Guillen of Piddig, Ilocos Norte for the “outstanding work and unceasing commitment” of the town in promoting the sustainable development of the industry and improving the quality of life of its tobacco farmers.
Seares commended the leadership for stepping in to shoulder 60% of the costs of fertilizers and pesticides of their farmers in a letter of commendation signed on May 25. The letter was presented by NTA Ilocos Norte Branch Manager Luzviminda Padayao during a short ceremony at the municipal hall on June 16.
“Guillen has introduced one of the best practices in our industry, and has set a standard for other tobacco-producing local government units to emulate. His genuine concern for the plight of the ordinary tobacco farmer is truly deserving of merit and appreciation,” said Seares.
“May he continue to exemplify the truest character of a public servant leader for the continued advancement of their farmers’ interests, with utmost dedication and competence,” he added.
The Administrator, along with Deputy Administrator for Operations Engr. Cesario Sambrana, paid a personal visit to Piddig during his first official trip to the province last March 17. The mayor gave the NTA officials a tour of the flagship projects of the town, including the tobacco storage facility, curing sheds and rice milling facility.
Piddig has dedicated over 200 hectares of agricultural lands to tobacco farming following a renewed interest among local farmers. The NTA, in coordination with the local government and with the support of the Universal Leaf Philippines Inc. (ULPI), is actively encouraging the planting of tobacco as an alternative crop. All farm inputs are freely provided byULPI with the exception for farm labor.
Thanks to these efforts, the town is entitled to an additional revenue of about PhP200 million per year under Republic Act No. 7171. Under this law, local governments, which produce Virginia tobacco, are entitled to 15 percent of national excise tax collections.