THE Commission on Audit is asking the provincial government of Camarines Sur to declare in its books the P160 million worth of grass it purchased in the last two years as part of the local government’s assets.
In 2022, the LGU bought P40 million worth of Vetiver Grass “tillers” followed by another purchase of P120 million more in 2023, all charged against the Agricultural Supplies Expenses. The tillers — the part that is planted — were priced at P4 each.
The COA noted that in 2022, the provincial government launched its Vetiver Grass Plantation Project located in a 7,000-hectare timberland in Barangay Pamplona, Del Gallego, Camarines Sur. The plantation is part of the plan to propagate Vetiver to be planted in areas that are prone to soil erosion.
According to the Vetiver System Applications Technical Manual published in 2008 by The Vetiver Network International, the grass is a viable option for soil and water conservation programs as its root system provides effective slope stabilization for coastal protection.
Auditors noted that the grass is also being promoted for treatment of contaminated land and water, soil fertility enhancement, and carbon sequestration.
Records obtained by the audit team showed there were three deliveries of Vetiver tillers on January 25 (3 million tillers), February 20 (1.5 million tillers), and March 22, 2023 (5.5 million tillers). These were all from 2022 purchase orders.
Three more deliveries of 5 million tillers each were made later on May 22, August 24, and December 11, 2023 in fulfillment of 2023 purchase orders. These deliveries had a total value of P60 million.
The remaining 15 million tillers worth P60 million or the balance of the 2023 purchase were not yet delivered as of December 31, 2023, the auditors said.
“An inquiry with the head of the implementing department revealed that these tillers were planted in the above-stated property to promote soil conservation and prevent erosion in the area. Furthermore, these grasses will be cultivated …(to) become the primary source of Vetiver Grass to be planted in high-risk and landslide-prone areas in Camarines Sur,” the COA said.
An onsite inspection conducted by the audit team on the plantation found that three hectares of Vertiver grass were already harvested. The haul was reportedly sent to a laboratory in Zambales for oil testing.
