Banana growers urge gov’t to cut fees amidst strong peso
by Prix D Banzon
Davao City (29 May) -- The Pilipino Banana Growers Association (PBGEA) calls it a “bad time” with the $1 hitting over P46 as it urged government to cut down on fees.
In an interview with PBGEA president Stephen Antig he said even when the peso level reached P47 to $1 they already had difficulties in the industry more so when it goes lower.
“This is not a happy time for the exporter and we are hoping government will be able to help us caution the impact with the appreciating peso,” Antig said.
He said when they prepared their budget their reference was the P56 to a $1 and with the condition now they expect a reduction of revenue by P10 even as he said that they appreciate what government did of reducing export fees but “what we want is not temporary.”
He said they also need to consider also the petition of the labor sector of P75 wage adjustment.
Right now he said they had introduce cost cutting measures but “that is all that we can do”.
He said they are not entertaining the retrenchment of workers but instead looking at increasing productivity and efficiency.
Antig meanwhile said that they are firming a petition address to the government that they will course through PhilExport which reaffirms an earlier resolution addressed to the Government to look at schemes that would ease the plight of the exporters.
“We need to elevate the position of the banana industry player of the country for the government to consider seriously,” he said. (PIA XI) [top]
