Laoag City, Aug. 8 -- The local government unit (LGU) of Paoay in Ilocos Norte has turned over a curing barn to farmers in Barangay Sta. Rita to boost the tobacco industry.

Mayor Sheilla Galano told the Philippine News Agency on Friday that the newly constructed tobacco curing barn was funded using the municipality's share in tobacco excise tax, as mandated under Republic Act (RA) 7171.

The law grants benefits to farmers in towns and provinces that produce Virginia tobacco. Under it, local governments that produce Virginia tobacco are entitled to 15 percent of national tax collections.

"This facility underscores the local government's unwavering support for our tobacco farmers," Galano said in a phone interview.

She added that it was ...