COFFEE, BANANA MULLED AS LIVELIHOOD FOR MARIJUANA PLANTERS

AS THE Municipal Government of Kapangan in Benguet starts the massive
production of yacon, the Municipal Government of Tinglayan, Kalinga,
on the other hand, is eyeing the production of coffee and banana as
alternative sources of revenue for marijuana cultivators.

While admitting that some cultivators are adamant in efforts to
totally eradicate the planting of marijuana, Tinglayan Mayor Johnny
Maymaya said there is at least a positive response from the community
following commitments from different government agencies for the
construction of farm-to-market roads.

Barangay Luk-kong is identified as Tinglayan's main producer of
marijuana.

"Marijuana is easier to plant and sell," Maymaya said while stressing
that infrastructure development is also vital in the government's bid
to lessen and eventually stop cultivation of the prohibited plant.

Plans on installing a cable car system in Tinglayan was abandoned by
the public works department last year because of the expenses involved.

The project was also abandoned because Tinglayan is not fully
energized.