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Herrera wants ‘09 budget to spur job opportunities


IF he has his way, Vice-Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera wants the provincial budget of one billion pesos for 2009 to stimulate job opportunities that may cushion the impact of worldwide economic downturn.

He said that some particular projects and programs contained in the annual budget as proposed by the Governor’s Office have been lined up for, not only to return to the people their taxes paid through delivery of basic services, but also to provide employment opportunities.

Though Bohol may not be immediately adversely affected by the crisis, Herrera said he anticipated the massive Boholano OFWs who will return home soon because the country where they work is in crisis or experiencing the crunch.

He said the number of unemployed in the country and Bohol would eventually swell because those who would return home would be jobless unless they can start a new livelihood or business venture.

In fact, this may be an unfavorable scenario that everybody, including the government, must prepare.

The Provincial Government is the largest employer in the province since there are only a few employers who would be able to employ a handful workers considering that Bohol is basically agricultural and there is not much big companies, he noted.

The vice-governor said that at the moment his priority is to promote his pet agenda which is to encourage people to backyard gardening.

“Even before the worldwide economic crisis, I have always believed that people should make use of the smallest vacant lot because this is responsible stewardship,” he said.

He also pointed out that if people particularly those in the towns will no longer buy vegetables and root crops from the harvest in their backyard, this will help them make both ends meet.

“In times of crisis, it makes a lot of difference because every peso counts and it is a big help if we can save on our food requirements by the plant that we grow”, he said.

He said he is happy that other officials have joined him in pushing for agriculture because “every help is needed.”

He added that unlike other places particularly in highly urbanized cities, Bohol can still turn to the soil for help in these difficult times.

“It is always better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. It is better for people to make concrete action like planting in their backyard than cursing the rich nations, those in government without doing anything.” he said.

source: http://vgo-sp.bohol.gov.ph/index.php?module=announce&ANN_user_op=view&ANN_id=229

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