AKO Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy Co, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, expresses his heartfelt appreciation for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s recent order to conduct geo-mapping of all agricultural lands in the country.
This forward-thinking approach aligns perfectly with Rep. Co’s long-standing advocacy of utilizing cutting-edge technologies to propel growth and development in the agricultural industry.
Highlighting the urgency and significance of this initiative, Co stated, “Geo-mapping of Agri-lands is a crucial step towards harnessing the full potential of our agricultural resources.
By accurately mapping and understanding the specific characteristics of our lands, we can optimize resource allocation, implement targeted interventions, and ensure sustainable agricultural development.”
This commitment resonates with the recent directive issued by Marcos, emphasizing the importance of geo-mapping to establish soil maps tailored to specific agricultural products. The objective is to leverage this knowledge to maximize yields and enable farmers to thrive economically.
Co emphasized the importance of streamlining the process of land titling and resource allocation. “With accurate and up-to-date information about the parcels of land, we can address the titling problem more efficiently, enabling us to move forward with agricultural development initiatives and secure a brighter future for our farmers,” he added.
Co expressed his support for the government’s ongoing efforts to utilize geo-mapping in resolving land titling issues and promote agricultural production.
He further emphasized the need to consolidate existing mapping resources and streamline the process, stating, “By integrating the mapping expertise of institutions such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), we can overcome the challenges associated with extensive individual surveys. This will provide us with comprehensive insights into different agricultural areas, allowing for targeted policies and interventions.”
Geo-mapping, which involves the conversion of survey data into interactive maps, offers a powerful tool to visualize the location of utilities accurately and efficiently. By employing this technology, decision-makers can make informed choices regarding resource allocation and land utilization, leading to improved agricultural practices and increased yields.
As a staunch advocate for progress and technological advancements, Co has been a trailblazer in promoting the integration of cutting-edge technologies, including geo-mapping, solar power utilization, fertigation (fertilizer and irrigation), and satellite applications, into agricultural practices. He wholeheartedly recognizes the profound and positive impact that such initiatives can have on the lives of farmers. In his passionate stance, Co emphasizes, “By integrating geo-mapping and other advanced technologies into agriculture, we empower our farmers with accurate and up-to-date information about their lands. This equips them to make informed decisions, optimize resource utilization, and ultimately amplify their yields and income.”
Co further emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making in the agriculture sector. “Through initiatives like the Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines (SARAI) program, we are leveraging information technology to gather, analyze, and utilize data for food production,” he stated.
Co concluded, “Our commitment to the welfare and success of our farmers is unwavering. Through geo-mapping and other strategic interventions, we are determined to create an enabling environment that maximizes agricultural productivity, fosters sustainable growth, and uplifts the lives of our farming communities.”
With an unwavering commitment to the welfare of farmers and the sustainable growth of the agricultural sector, Co, in collaboration with House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and under the visionary leadership of Marcos Jr., champions the implementation of geo-mapping as a transformative tool in agriculture. This strategic endeavor holds a pivotal role in shaping the future of Philippine agriculture, ensuring a prosperous and thriving industry that empowers farmers and drives economic progress.
