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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Helping put food on the people's table strengthens me, nourishes my soul, Bulacan farmer says

Helping put food on the people's table strengthens me, nourishes my soul, Bulacan farmer says

Published Feb 19, 2024 05:56 am

Biden Benedicto.jpg

SHARE YOUR BLESSINGS -- Ferdinand "Biden" Benedicto of Barangay San Vicente, Sta Maria, Bulacan (Freddie Velez)

 

A small farmer from Bulacan said planting vegetables that end up being consumed in the Filipino family's dining table strengthens his body and nourishes his soul.

"Hindi lahat kaming magsasaka ay puspusang nagsikap sa aming trabaho upang kumita lamang ng pera, gusto rin naming makatulong sa iba dahil naniniwala kami na ang pagtulong sa kapwa ay isa sa nagpapalusog ng ating katawan at utak, kaya mas madaming matutulungan, lalo kang lalakas (Tilling our lands is not just for profit but more to help Filipinos become healthy because if one is healthy in mind and body, he will be able to help more people)," said Ferdinand "Biden" Benedicto.

Benedicto said planting different kinds of vegetables for almost ten years now on a one-hectare land stimulates him. He even gives away some of his vegetables for free to those who need them.

"Tapos na ng pag-aaral ang mga anak ko at may mga hanapbuhay na sila, ang isa kong anak ay nasa bangko nagtatrabaho bilang isang accountant, kaya ang nais ko ngayon sa buhay ay maging biyaya naman sa ibang tao," (My children have already graduated and now have jobs, one of them is working as a bank accountant. All I wish for is to become a blessing to other people.)

"Hindi lang dapat sa tuwing mayroong okasyon at holiday lamang ang pamimigay ng blessing sa kapwa kundi araw-araw at walang pinipili," (You don't share your blessings only during special occasions or holidays. You do it everyday) he said. 

Benedicto also believes that by helping others, the malady of depression is lessened.

"Kailanman, ang aking gulayan ay hindi ko iniisip na pag-aari ko lamang kundi pag-aari naming lahat na mga magkakapitbahay," (I have always believed that my vegetable farm is not mine alone but the entire community's.)

 

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