By Anthony A. Araos
How are we going to help the Ifugao farmers? My esteemed friend and the general manager of the Ifugao Global Entrepreneurs Multi-purpose Cooperative (IGEMCO) Godfrey Dominong recently asked me this question.
He certainly should know as he has been working with farmers all these years. One way to answer this question is to encourage discussion on our farmers’ plight on social networking sites (SNS). By doing so, we could generate interest in farming as well as concern for the dire poverty many of our farmers are in at present.
Why do we need to discuss issues related to the agriculture sector? There are many reasons for doing so. For one, farmers are entitled to good health and more income. Truth to tell, many of them are prone to various ailments and are not earning enough to meet the needs of their families. They are among the “poorest of the poor.” This is in sharp contrast to the conditions of the few moneyed Ifugao folks. I just don’t see any justification for the inequality.
For many years our farmers have suffered. Do we keep silent? I believe a swift and decisive action by the officialdom is due. It is time for social media buffs to discuss the various issues on farm modernization, land ownership and food security.
Among the topics we need to start discussing are subsidies to farmers, especially for fertilizer, irrigation, to increase their agricultural productivity, construction and improvement of infrastructure such as irrigation systems, farm-to-market roads and post-harvest facilities. Crop insurance is just another important issue. Providing them capacity-building programs to help in their credit-worthiness so that they can obtain financial loans is just as essential. Here’s where it gets interesting. Pay more attention. There is already a digital lending platform for financing crops and seed types such as palay (hybrid and inbred seeds).
There are many other vital concerns to discuss. There is the process of experimentation and research, technology adoption and transforming farmers to extension agents for the practice of integrated farming. Also, the rising demand for organic, pesticide-free vegetables is another development. Let’s discuss these issues on social media and improve the livelihood of our folks here in Ifugao. Yes, farmers too! It is time to get our heads together to uplift ourselves from the mire of poverty. Let’s take advantage of the advances in technology.
-oOo-
“If you are blessed, share your blessings,” with other people,” and this is my appeal to Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on the issue related to the establishment of a Malasakit Center in Ifugao.
Together with former Vice Governor Nora Dinamling, I am presently helping Hingyon-base Engr. Julio Tindungan achieve this goal. I am absolutely certain that we can all enjoy better health if this takes place soon. I have made it my life mission to help educated Ifugao folks improve the quality of life in this impoverished province.**
