LAGAWE, IFUGAO – – Barangay Burnay in Lagawe offers a lot of lessons in history. It also offers bright hopes for food security if the village receives ample support for its farming sector from the national government.
Why not picture Burnay folks in an optimistic mood for such a scenario in a not-so-distant future. Ideally, the village would have the sufficient infrastructure to achieve this goal. This scenic barangay is in need of farm-to-market roads and post-harvest facilities.
In several sitios these vital facilities are inexistent and farmers have to work a bit doubly harder. Does this mean everything else is hopeless? No! Or so it seems. As long as those at the Senate, Department of Agriculture and the Palace pull together and infuse funds for farmers’ needs the agriculture sector will stay alive and register bumper harvests.
And what really it is, on the surface, is a distressed sector told by this scribe from his visit here. A closer study reveals a clamor of farmers for sufficient support from the government. Access to these facilities is a fundamental concern that need to be attended at the soonest time in order to protect and improve the well-being of soil tillers.
The problems on the lack of farm-to-market roads and post-harvest facilities have long been associated with Burnay and the other 19 barangays in Lagawe. Transporting produce and drying palay (unhusked rice) is among the most critical challenges in this sector.
There is a simple realization from which all improvements and results emerge.
“Of course, I welcome these farm-to-market roads, in our barangay. It is important in increasing production and incomes. It will allow me to take care of my family during these difficult economic times.” a farmer of sitio Bunog said.
And it is a fervent hope that will continue to be the case for all other farmers in this poverty-stricken village. That mood will evolve, because things are evolving. And that’s worth much considering.
To date, Burnay’s main crops include rice, vegetables and fruits.
Sadly, limited resources of the barangay council fail in meeting the actual needs of farmers. Fixing this problem entails “huge” funds. In reality, a commitment to achieve food security and food sovereignty simply means significant funds to improve the conditions of the agriculture sector.
The farmer thought that the government is bent on pursuing a sound policy in agriculture. For one, there is a promise to subsidize feeds. Up until now, local products are suffering because of high feed cost.
All told, the policy is insensitive to the plight of farmers.
This clearly is a big setback to the government’s timeline to undertake the modernization program for agriculture. Progress on implementing the program is dependent on the budget allocated by Congress. As it is, its share is still low. Yet, huge “flood control” funds remain. Not to mention corrupt officials. They are still there, while farmers are suffering.
Villagers appreciate the provision of support services for farmers who stay in the fields no matter how hot the day gets.
Farmers organizations such as the Riverside Farmers Association (headed by Albert Gallangi) and Bunne Indigenous Farmers Association (led by Emelinda Kimmayong) hope to expand their reach, but funds are scare. The latter somehow made a break though by obtaining a donation from former Ifugao governor Denis Habawel for its pig dispersal project.
Present-day developments from local officials appear not to defy the unavoidable truth: that little support from lord officials had meant nothing. Year after year after year, farmers are getting poorer. To address these problems, laying down what Burnay farmers truly need is imperative.
Interventions are related to the overall development plan of the Burnay Barangay Council, spearheaded by Punong Barangay Leodante Dumangeng, in general, and development of agro-tourism and agri-business, in particular.
This is a good starting point for visits to Burnay farms. Farmers may augment their income by hosting guests in their premises, who are attracted to the natural environment, and the opportunity to escape the city’s rugged life. A farm vacation surely offers rare, priceless and quite experiences. Burnay can offer this and many other agro-tourism experiences at rice paddies and hanging bridges on one’s way to vast rice fields for a view of the mountains. If you have an appetite for Ifugao rice, meal time here can be highly recommended. **By Anthony A. Araos
