MANILA, Philippines – ng pakinabangan ng magniniyog, hindi mga pulitiko o sinumang opisyal ng bayan, sa Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund, ayon kay Senador Erwin Tulfo.
Sa pahayag, sinabi ni Tulfo sa ginanap na pagdinig ng Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform nitong Huwebes na panahon na upang tuldukan at hindi maulit ang pang-aabuso at kontrobersiyal na bumalot sa Coco Levy Fund sa nakaraan.
Aniya, nabigo ang pamahalaan na mabigyan ng hustisya ang milyong magniniyog na magamit ang kanilang pondo para sa kaunlaran, hindi lamang ng sarili kundi ng industriya.
“This fund came from the hard work and sacrifices of coconut farmers, yet instead of immediately benefiting their welfare, it became the center of controversy, abuse, and a long struggle just to recover what rightfully belongs to them,” ani Tulfo.
“And until now, many of our coconut farmers continue to ask: When will they truly feel the benefits of a fund that was meant for them in the first place?” giit niya.
Sinabi ni Tulfo na dapat may kinatawan ang magsasaka, mapakinggan at makalahok sa bawat hakbangin sa pagbuo at implementasyon ng programa na para sa kanilang kagalingan.
“As the principal author of this measure, and with our chairman having also previously served as a principal author, our objective is clear: To ensure that coconut farmers themselves have genuine, direct, and meaningful participation in deciding how the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund will be utilized,” ayon kay Tulfo.
“This fund is not for a few officials, not for politicians, and certainly not for repeating the mistakes of the past. This fund is for the coconut farmers to uplift their livelihoods, strengthen the coconut industry, and provide them with the dignity and opportunities they have long fought for and rightfully deserve,” giit pa ng senador. Ernie Reyes
