Bernard R. Vicente, farmer leader of Sinait, Ilocos Sur, was given another term as Chairman of the National Federation of Tobacco Farmers Association and Cooperatives (NAFTAC) in the elections held during the virtual Consultative Meeting of farmer leaders organized by the Operations Group of NTA on December 10.
Bienvenido G. Millare, chairman of NAFTAC Abra Chapter, was also reelected as Executive Vice Chairman of the organization.
Other elected officers:
Cesario Gapatan of Candon, Vice-Chairman (Virginia Neutral); Orlando Valenciano of Ilocos Norte), Vice-Chairman (Virginia Improved Flavor); Saturnino Distor of Pangasinan, Vice-Chairman (Burley Neutral); Zosimo Solito of Isabela, Vice-Chairman (Burley Improved Flavor); Reymund Pinon of Cagayan, Vice-Chairman (Native Cigar Filler); Franklin Dumpit of La Union, Vice-Chairman (Native Batek); Arlyn Vega of Vigan, Treasurer; Nestor Padron of Ilocos Norte, Treasurer; and Donie Bernardino of Isabela, Auditor.
Prior to the elections, the farmer leaders participated in the discussion of Sustainable Tobacco Production, Good Agricultural and Labor Practices, proposed utilization of funds from excise taxes under Republic Acts 7171, 8240, and 4155 and other issues and concerns.
Last November 11, NAFTAC and the private sector agreed to a P3 increase in the tobacco floor prices of all types of tobacco during the Consultative Tripartite Conference.
[Text & Photo credit: Tom Taloza, NTA Vigan]