FOLLOWING claims of Benguet ready to supply medical marijuana upon its legalization, Mayor Cesar Molitas is opposed to plans on the propagation of cannabis in the Municipality of Kibungan.
Molitas said he will not recommend the municipality to go back from its old practice.
“On my own personal opinion if ever it will be legalized, I do not recommend the presence of plantation in our areas. Instead we should give an alternative livelihood,” said the mayor. “Today, people are open to planting other alternative products. What will happen when we'll bring it back?” said Molitas.
Last month, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Cordillera regional director Edgar Apalla said Barangays Tacadang and Badeo, all in Kibungan were downgraded from seriously drug affected to moderately drug affected barangays by the oversight committee on drug clearing operations.
Molitas also urged the government to sustain the livelihood program in a bid to help dissuade farmers from planting marijuana.
The mayor added the only way to help solve the problem is to construct farm-to-market roads in undeveloped areas without accessible roads such as Barangay Badeo and Tacadang.
Earlier, Benguet Governor Cresencio Pacalso has proposed three sites in the province once the House Bill No. 180 authored by Isabella Representative Rodolfo Albano III is approved.
“We are still waiting but if that ever happens, the province of Benguet is ready to cooperate with the National Government,” Pacalso added.
The Benguet Provincial Police Office noted a total of 215 marijuana cultivators declared in the province in 2016-2017, with 100 in Bakun, 30 in Kapangan and 75 in Kibungan.
