'YAKON' TO REPLACE MARIJUANA

GOVERNMENT officials have recommended the conversion of marijuana
fields in the Cordilleras into "Yakon" farms as they vowed to provide
farm-to-market roads for easy access for their produce, a top police
official said yesterday.

"Yakon" is a sturdy rootcrop which can easily be planted, maintained,
harvested and marketed since it does not wither like a vegetable or a
flower. Known for its medicinal effect, the rootcrop already has a
large following in Japan, United States and Europe. It is now being
sold in some markets in Metro Manila and the provinces.

According to Director Marcelo S. Ele Jr., commander of the Philippine
National Police Anti-Illegal Gambling Special Operations Task Force, a
memorandum of understanding has been signed by officials in Cordillera
to make the "Yakon" farming project a marijuana alternative.

Ele, PNP chief Director General Arturo C. Lomibao and Cordillera
police director Chief Supt. Leonardo E. Dionisio signed the MOU on
December 14.

Under the memorandum, the departments of Agriculture and Environment
and Natural Resources will provide the seedlings, training, technology
and other necessary inputs to the Cordillera farmers.

The Department of Trade and Industry will identify possible markets.
On the other hand, the PNP will be spearheading the project in line
with its drive to eradicate trafficking of marijuana.

Dionisio said they feel that "Yakon" farming will help provide
alternative livelihood to Cordillera natives who are traditionally
known for growing marijuana in the local mountains. "Even the
Cordillerans are sold to this idea," he said.

"We considered the introduction of an alternative livelihood like
Yakon farming in the region due to the fact that most of the marijuana
traffickers we have arrested have claimed they are only after the
economical benefits of marijuana," said Dionisio.

Ele said the police will secure the converted "Yakon" farms
particularly during the harvesting and delivery to the market. Police
will also help the DTI in looking for market, either locally or abroad.

On December 9-11, Cordillera and AIDSOTF operatives raided several
huge marijuana plantations in Benguet and Ifugao provinces and
destroyed nearly P50 million worth of plants and seedlings. No
arrests, however, were made