TOL VIEWS
 

Typhoons Egay and Falcon and the intensified habagat were surely weather forces which many parts of the country continue to grapple with. Even more than a week after wreaking havoc in Northern, Central and Southern Luzon, several communities in Bulacan and Pampanga remain submerged in flood waters and are threatened by all sorts of health risks and loss of livelihood and properties. Damage to infrastructure and agriculture are already in billion pesos. While the national and local governments are swift to respond, our kababayans remain in fear of where and how to start anew after the water subsides.

Food supply is always a challenge after every natural calamity. Crops damaged by wind and water, fish cages that either overflow or are destroyed by strong current, livestock and poultry that either die or are stricken with diseases – these and many other troubles drain the hope of poor Filipino farmers upon whom the rest of us rely for food and nutrition. Having placed their hard earned capital in these crops and livestock, and having spent energy and time tending these plants and animals in the hope for a little profit and food for their families and communities, we cannot imagine the fear and hopelessness that our farmers struggle with seeing all their hard work drowned in mud.

Agriculture has always played a vital role in the growth and development of nations and communities. Farmers, as the backbone of agriculture, are as vital. They play an indispensable role in ensuring food security and nutrition, in safeguarding human health and wellness, in providing employment and livelihood, and in rural growth and development in general. We can go on and list so many other reasons why our farmers are critical to our sustenance and survival, and why we should safeguard and promote their welfare.

In recognition of farmers and other agricultural workers, Proclamation No. 33 issued in March 21, 1989 designated the month of May every year as Famers’ and Fisherfolks’ Month. More tangible rewards, however, were needed to strengthen the agriculture sector and provide our farmers with the much needed support and capability boost to inspire them to continue feeding the population. These tangible rewards include higher farmgate prices for palay, lower fertilizer costs, dryers and post-harvest facilities and financial grants, among others.

The most tangible reward, however, and which will surely enable farmers to sustain their livelihood and indeed harvest the fruits of their labor, is the granting of Certificate of Land Ownership Award or CLOA and e-titles from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). I have personally witnessed these awarding ceremonies, and I am thankful to have taken part in opening the door to a better life for these farmers. Through these awards, farmers who do not have their own land to till are now given the opportunity to cultivate their own piece of land and benefit from their daily toil.

Other laws which aid farmers include Republic Act 8435 of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 of AFMA which mandates the Department of Agriculture to formulate and implement medium and long-term comprehensive development plan for agriculture and fisheries. This modernization plan hopes to boost productivity in agriculture and elevate our farm produce to world quality standards. While the said modernization plan seem to remain in paper, or at the very least being implemented but proceeding at snail’s pace, I believe that we ought to do more to strengthen agriculture, empower our farmers and fisherfolks, and ensure sustenance for the population. Only in valuing and empowering farmers can we achieve a healthy, prosperous, and resilient nation.