Kiana Vren B.

Jermia, BSN 2D

“Justice for Filipino Farmers”

Before I begin my speech I’d like to ask a very important question, one that will make
you realize some things that need our utmost attention to. Who do you think are the
most hardworking people in our country? Yes, some may answer doctors, nurses,
lawyers, and perhaps, other professionals, but did farmers ever crossed your minds
to be your first answer?

Our farmers has struggled with a history of injustice. They have been forced to till
land they do not own, sell their produce at prices unequal to their labor, and carry a
whole sector on their already aching backs for a country that has forgotten to listen
to them properly. As our country strives to move forward, we have forgotten to
bring its foundation along. Our farmers have worked too hard to provide for their
families and their countrymen, only for them to be continuously robbed by our
government of adequate policy, support, and protection.

Isn’t it peculiar how we brand ourselves as an “agricultural country” when we are

largely dependent on imports for produce? Although there are campaigns to
“support local,” the nature of these campaigns do not at all address the problem
grounded in ineffective structural policies.

This is not an unfamiliar problem. In 2018, a group of farmers from Negros

Occidental gathered in front of the gates of the Department of Agrarian Reform only
for them to be turned away by the security guard, who told them: “Wala pa po si
Secretary dito eh. Baka po na-traffic.” One can imagine how painful it is to be
forgotten and rejected all over again. This is but one instance in a long history of
neglect.

These are unprecedented times: of continuing widespread corruption, of weakly

enforced government policies, and of people hoarding basic necessities. May we
never overlook the reason we have these necessities in the first place, for a
depressing irony exists: those who provide our basic needs have, for too long, not
been afforded their own.