MANILA, Philippines - Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala on Friday announced the government's "Balik Bukid" program, which aims to introduce "probinsyanos" or rural folk living in Metro Manila to farming.

Alcala said that while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is identifying agricultural lands that can be leased to the beneficiaries of the program, the Department of Agriculture (DA) will start training by next week people who will teach the so-called metro probinsyanos the basics of farming.

"Hindi sila bibigyan doon ng 60 square meters na pabahay," the Agriculture chief told radio dzMM. He said the government is planning to provide the probinsyanos 2 to 3 hectares of farmlands each.

He said that trainers will be deployed to all regions across the country, and down to the municipal level.

"Unang party ay training ng mga tao na magbibigay at magbabantay sa pagpapadami ng mga produce ng certified seeds," he said.

The new agriculture chief said that the program will be part of the government's comprehensive plan to make the country food sufficient by 2013.

He said the DA has yet to refer the program to the Department of Justice and other legal divisions of the government to make sure that they will not be violating any laws.

He cited that legal issues need to be ironed out because the program will include the conversion of government-owned lands to farmlands.

Alcala added that the plan also includes the possible building of a farming community complete with post-harvest facilities and school for the would-be farmers' children.

The secretary also said that the DA will attempt to expand irrigation systems around the country as the program would be nationwide in scope.

Grants pouring in

Alcala also announced during the radio dzMM interview that grants from foreign private institutions have started to flood his office ever since President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III announced that one of his administration's main thrusts is improving agriculture.

He said several foreign ambassadors have met with him and other top officials of the DA to discuss possible agriculture investments in the country.

He added that majority of the ambassador brought along with them representatives from foreign private institutions who have expressed willingness to provide the country agricultural grants.

Alcala would not say how much have been pledged by the foreign investors, but confirmed that the amount is very significant.

"Ako nga nagugulat din sa department. May ibang ambassador nagpupunta doon. Nakita nila na one of the main thrusts ng pamahalaan ay agriculture. Madami ang bumisita at nakipagkwentuhan kung paano ahg thrust ng pamahalaan at nagtanong kung ano ang puwedeng gawin ng mga investor na darating," he said.

He added: "Ang maganda dito ay may mga kasama sila na pagdating ang dala ay grants para sa ating pamahalaan."

Alcala said that they are studying the possibility of using foreign financial aid for the "Balik Bukid" program and other agricultural projects being lined up by the current administration.

Zero corruption

Meanwhile, Alcala assured that his department is abiding by President Aquino's vision of zero corruption governance.

He said that under his administration, the DA will buy the right agricultural equipment and "certified seeds" without overpricing.

Alcala declined to say how much money was wasted by the previous DA administration, but confirmed that several projects, including the purchase of seeds and equipment, were implemented with "too much sloppiness."