Ifugao tOWN mayor approves ordinance regulating corn buying stations

By Marcelo L. Lihgawon

Monday 28th of May 2012

ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao, May 28 (PIA) - - The municipal mayor here has approved an ordinance regulating the establishment of corn buying stations in the municipality for the general welfare of consumers and traders in the municipality.

Mayor Glenn Prudenciano said that the establishment of corn buying stations generated tremendous economic gains for the farmers as they no longer have to go to Isabela province to sell their produce, minimizing cost of transportation. Moreover, taxes are now paid to the municipal government.

“The municipal government added revenue to its coffers because of the taxes paid by these establishments and of course the buying stations have gained considerable profits with their business ventures in the municipality,” he stated.

However, Prudenciano explained that these establishments caused traffic congestion along major roads in the municipality when unloading their produce.

He emphasized that policies should be established to regulate the establishment of such business to maximize its economic potential yet minimizing the problems and hazards that may arise.

According to the ordinance, corn buying stations should be located in an area with sufficient space and not with in the central business district or near institutions such as schools, churches, and hospitals.

Corn buying stations should have a warehouse that can hold a minimum of 1,000 standard sack of corns and with sufficient parking space for haulers.

More ever, it should be the responsibility of the corn buying station to keep the road within their area of business free from traffic congestion and obstruction and also to maintain cleanliness and orderliness including the toning down of foul odor from rotting produce.

To effectively impose the ordinance, a clearance issued from concerned barangay shall be a requisite prior to issuance of municipal business and other permits.

Any individual or group of individual found to be guilty of violating any provisions of the ordinance shall be fined with the following penalties: first offense, P1,000; second offense, P2,000 and warning for revocation of business permit; and third offense is P2,500 and revocation of business permit. (JDP/MBL– PIA CAR, Ifugao)