ROXAS CITY, CAPIZ – The 12th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Capiz held its second regular session, with key issues on agriculture and environmental conservation among the highlights of the meeting.
Acting Provincial Agriculturist Raoul V. Perez presented updates on the Department of Agriculture’s ₱20-per-kilo rice program. He explained that the program targets the poor and underprivileged, and sought the Provincial Board’s approval for a Memorandum of Agreement with Food Terminal, Inc., as well as the creation of a Special Account under the Provincial Trust Fund to support the initiative.
Meanwhile, the session also took time to honor the late former Cuartero Mayor Roger Francisco Flores, with a resolution expressing sympathy and recognizing his contributions to the province.
Environmental concerns were also brought to the forefront with a presentation by Roland Allan F. Cullo, Head of the Capiz Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (CaPENRO), on the rich biodiversity of Tucad Reef in Pilar. Studies on the area, which began in 1997, have documented a wide array of marine species including giant clams, clownfish, sea cucumbers, brain corals, and various other coral species.
With strong backing from Governor Fredenil H. Castro, who has been an advocate for the protection of Capiz’s natural resources, the Provincial Board unanimously approved a resolution declaring Tucad Reef a Protected Marine Sanctuary.
The board also passed several ordinances and resolutions on second and final reading, covering topics such as transportation, banking transactions, and the donation of boats for community use.
Through these initiatives, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan continues its commitment to crafting policies that safeguard the welfare, environment, and livelihood of the people of Capiz, supported by the proactive leadership of Governor Castro.
