LAGAWE, Ifugao – – Whoever said an educator is likely the main supporter of poor farmers in a town largely known worldwide for its majestic rice terraces?
For members of the Banaue Organic Farmers Association (BOFA), the helping hand extended recently by Board Member James Frederick Dulnuan matters most at a time they needed it most with its ranks ever-committed to the task of significantly increasing crop output.
“The destiny of the Filipino people and that of our beloved nation is clearly in the hands of farmers and we are indeed fortunate to have been ably assisted along the way by a leader who undoubtedly has a deep concern for the welfare of the poor,” a member declared. “He is, of course, Board Member Ricky Dulnuan, she added, in fondly referring to the solon’s nickname.
“I heard a lot of his accomplishments and contributions to the education sector and his caring ways for farmers like us, therefore, is something we don’t easily understand,” Benjamin Binwag said. He is the president of the BOFA.
Board Member Dulnuan is the chairman of the committee on education and public information.
BOFA is registered as a rural workers organization under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
It was registered all over again as a rural workers association under the DOLE on July 21, 2017.
Aside for provision of a mutual aid and protection program, BOFA has lined up a number of services focusing on improving conditions of members.
“As one of the key players in Philippine society, we should be firm on our stand on helping our farmers at all times,” Dulnuan said.
He added: “We are committed to enjoin the government to help them so that together we can scale up our efforts on reducing poverty incidence.”
Over the years, Board Member Dulnuan has actively interacted with Banaue’s farmers. His name became synonymous with the efforts to upgrade their plight.
Along with Provincial Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Office (PAENRO) acting director Catherine Buenaventura, Board Member Dulnuan presently serves the BOFA as an adviser.
He said his action of accepting the position without hesitation signifies a commitment to stand side-by-side with farmers in their quest to have a special place in the hearts of the people by feeding the nation.
In fact, his decision has far-reaching dimensions. He wants to empower them to learn to find solutions to problems, even in the most difficult situations rather than quitting at all. This speaks of realizing a dream. Just like other Filipinos, most farmers dream of sending their children to college. “My dream is to help them have a successful, secure and happy future,” Board Member Dulnuan pointed out. All that candidness is comforting.
The determination of BOFA members and officers to rise above adversities indeed explained why they chose two noted individuals as their advisers, which was also envisaged as an attempt to improve their know-how and craft.
While many are looking forward to agricultural expansion here and the other ten towns of Ifugao in the next three to nine years or so, most farmers are still facing a host of problems.
Financial assistance and subsidies are sought by farmers in order to increase their production. Massive infrastructure and development projects in the province’s 175 villages are needed to boost agriculture.
Lack of irrigation systems and farm-to-market roads were bad enough, but dealing with insensitive and incompetent officials is the worst part.
It is certainly the truth, then most farmers are leaving their fate to God and a few remaining well-meaning public servants.
For now, officers and members of BOFA are focused in improving farm practices. It is a practical mindset they would like to invest in.
Many are confident that higher organic farm yield coupled with increased tourist traffic shall pave the way for economic dynamism in Banaue in a not-so-distant future.
Presently, organic farming is making progress in Banaue. There is indeed a high degree of interest in shunning away from pesticides, herbicides and other harmful substances.
BOFA said it hopes to continue promoting the interest of its members and in positioning the Ifugao organic farm market as a potential investment hub in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). In such eventuality, the better it will be for BOFA members. This scenario certainly bodes well for the 29 BOFA members.
Bigger revenues from organic farm produce shall halt the dismal growth performance of the CAR. For instance, CAR posted a growth of only 3.2 percent in 2014.
Mr. Binwag and the other officers see the BOFA is in the right direction. Worth mentioning were the all-out support of the officers for their head. They include Imelda Magastino, vice president; Natividad Pindug, secretary; Novalyn Bumocla, treasurer; Aiza Hangdaan, auditor; Consuelo Dulnuan, press relations officer and Eddie Bao-e, sergeant-of-arms.
These developments showed how profound was any assistance of the officialdom- big or small, to non-government organizations (NGOs) and people’s organizations (POs), and how fast or slow these organizations are moving towards progress under such mitigating circumstances. **By Anthony A. Araos
