LAGAWE, IFUGAO – – Some folks still look forward for increased support from the provincial government for the deprived agriculture sector. For many, however, the better deal comes from the national government.
With the growing clamor of farmer groups, in their thrust toward increased support, there is a clear voice for more funds to enhance the modernization program of the sector and to find solutions for those cash-starved farmers as well as fisher folks, encountering unbearable problems.
To help solve these pressing challenges, for instance, the Lagawe-based Poblacion West Farmers Organization sought the help of the provincial government particularly the office of the vice governor. Many other farmer groups took the same route. Their officers went back and forth for this purpose. It was also a valuable lesson on how to package a project- let’s say for a small scale irrigation item. All told, at most time, it entails commensurate transaction time with the government.
For so many years, farmers asked for assistance in terms of equipment and farm to market roads. Those who were elected by the people always promised better lives for the farmers. But the result has been the same and they are still poor.
“Help debt-ridden farmers now and not in 2028” another farmer of Barangay Poblacion East said.
So here the weak are not to be simply neglected but made to feel that they belong, and that they have someone to rely on in the Marcos administration.
Pursuance of timely and well-meaning measures to revitalize the farming sector through the provision of subsidies for seeds, fertilizers, farming equipment, irrigation and other facilities to increase farmers’ productivity are meant to implement the development of the sector.
As Filipinos await the opening of the 20th Congress, there is also an urgent need to accelerate irrigation development, especially the construction of disaster and climate resilient small-scale irrigations systems.
It’s time to throw away all the soil tillers’ anxiety and to modernize outdated practices. Expect something positive to come out of it.
Given the local government’s insufficient resources and misplaced priorities, a Lagawe farmers’ group leader said the attentio is merely focu’’sed oofn the NGOs act “sufficiently complying with requirements” asked for. Then the long wait at the very least, a better path is required.
Meantime, the problems such as financial incapacity, inadequate infrastructure, unfair market competition and lack of modern technology linger on. Small wonder, farmers are among the “poorest of the poor.”
This jibes with the idea for the LGUs to purchase farmer products and extend the needed support services and subsidies for key produce to compete globally.
Uplifting the condition of farmers is a step in reinventing the farmer empowerment. Imagine the benefits of implementing the market information system mandated by the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997. Combine this with a halt to importing rice and corn and surely the national government stands a better chance of achieving the goal to provide better lives for farmers.
Between now and 2028, the priority of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan should be on the need to protect the welfare of farmers and ensure food security. It speaks of the core of a shared vision of the people. It is surely the right thing to do and a correct start. **By Anthony A. Araos
