LAOAG CITY: Tobacco farmers here received Monday agricultural inputs to help boost production and encourage others to take part in the city government’s bid to increase to 20 hectares the area being planted with Virginia tobacco this year. Among those distributed are water pumps, irrigation hoses, shedder machines, and hand tractors.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Michael Keon emphasized in a media interview that agriculture remains the bedrock of the city’s economy, with 50 out of its 80 villages considered as rural, thus putting premium on the agriculture sector. In addition to distributing farm machinery and agricultural inputs, Keon stated that farmers will also receive fuel subsidies to cushion the impact of oil price inflation. The aid to tobacco farmers was sourced from the city government’s share of tobacco excise tax amounting to PHP23 million, an amount that is expected to rise with increased tobacco cultivation.

City Agriculturist Engineer Sheila Marie Opelac highlighted the challeng
es in convincing farmers to plant tobacco, citing difficulties in post-harvest processes such as drying and selling. However, she stated that the city’s strategy is to provide comprehensive production support, including financial assistance and incentives for those who grow Virginia tobacco. Beyond Laoag City, other local government units in Ilocos Norte are also bolstering their tobacco production, supported by Universal Leaf Philippines Inc. and in coordination with the National Tobacco Administration.

Farmers in the region have begun incorporating tobacco as an alternative crop, with all necessary farm inputs, except labor, provided at no cost. In Ilocos Norte, the town of Pinili has received the largest share of tobacco excise tax, with approximately PHP800 million released this year. This additional revenue is a part of the locality’s share in the tobacco excise tax under Republic Act 7171, which allocates 15 percent of national tax collections to local governments producing Virginia tobacco.

Farmers i
n the area, such as Luciano Dela Cruz from Casili, have expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “Agyamankami unay kadagitoy a traktor ken abono. Dakkel a tulong kadakami a mannalon (We are thankful for all these tractors and fertilizers. These are great help for us farmers).” With the comprehensive support provided, tobacco farmers are expected to earn approximately PHP70,000-PHP80,000 per hectare from tobacco cultivation alone.