Binay: Urbanization comes not at the expense of agriculture

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Vice President Jejomar Binay in a statement said urbanization will not come at the expense of agriculture and other natural resources.

Binay's statement was read by her daughter Nancy during one of the occasions attended by the local officials and residents in Candaba town.

"I am aware of the reservations of some concerning the dangers that urban development may pose to farmlands and other agricultural areas. It is built around it and proper planning permits us to do just that," Binay said.

The vice president noted that greatest threat to agricultural lands is not urbanization but rather random and arbitrary land conversion.

"In all these efforts, we in the housing sector are guided by a clear policy of creating environmentally friendly, self sustaining communities as engines of development in the countryside," the vice president stated in a statement.

He further stated that well-planned development and decent housing in the concerned areas would help the farmers gain better future for their respective families and at the same time would preserve farmlands and swamplands in the country.

"As your economy grows, it follows that farming will likewise evolve and the communities shall be able to invest in the added infrastructure needed to push tourism. Tourism and agriculture and urban development need to work hand in hand to provide more opportunities for trade and growth within the reach of the people," Binay stated.