NO TO NEW GOLF COURSES - GLORIA ARROYO

Manila, Oct. 17, 1997 - A leading candidate for president yesterday expressed alarm over the seemingly unchecked conversion of agricultural and other land into golf courses.

Senator Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo warned that the golf courses could eventually hurt our environment and reduce the country's food supply.

"We have set our priorities straight, Do we want the lands converted to recreational facilities which only the very rich can afford and enjoy, or do we want these natural resources to produce food needed for the survival of the whole nation?" the senator asked.

Senator Arroyo pressed for the approval of Senate Bill 2153 or Food Security Bill she authored to ensure food self-sufficiency. The bill is a comprehensive package of economic measures aimed at ensuring adequate food supply from domestic sources to feed the country's population.

"With the rate golf courses are developed left and right, this country will run out of agricultural and forest lands in no time," the senator observed.