RATIONALE: SUPPORTING LOCAL

FARMERS
These farmers, just like any other profession, are worthy of our full support, and should
be respected based on the integrity of their work and their perseverance. They should
be prioritized especially now that they are one of the most affected sectors of our
community. Due to calamities, numerous problems were encountered by our Agri-
farmers, such as low price of crops, lack of capital, labor problems, lack of harvest
facilities, to name a few. Our farmers also have mouths to feed and children to send to
school. Imagine the anxiety and fear these farmers think every night on where they can
find means to cope with their financial instability, the sacrifices they make and the risks
they take. These farmers work in acres, not in hours, and they put their hearts to the
work they do. Their conscientiousness and determination just to give their family a
decent life is worthy to be acknowledged and helping them is the least we can do.
The Philippines is currently facing different problems especially in the sector of
agriculture. 78% farms are less than 3 hectares. Most of our farms have already shrunk
in size due to the fast growth of our population. Land is being encroached upon by the
housing and industrial sectors which is basically the cause of this problem. While our
country continues to build more houses and structures, it is sacrificing the agricultural
sector of our country. If there is a decrease of our farmland sizes, how much smaller
would the farmer’s houses take up from that small portion of land? Another problem is
also the absence of critical programs on efficient irrigation systems which is an
important factor in agriculture. Irrigation helps farmers keep their crops well-hydrated
and moist, especially during the warm seasons. Without irrigation, the soil would
become dry, and the crops will wilt. Most likely, waste pollution can be a result of
inefficient irrigation which can later develop into a site for another problem – pests and
crop diseases. This has also been a major setback in the agricultural sector of the
Philippines since it lacks funding from the government. If these pests and diseases were
to be left out of control, our crops won’t be able to grow, farmers will have a decreased
livelihood income, and famine would crawl across our country. What is not seen as a
potential crisis is that most of our farmers cannot resist extreme weather conditions.
Encroaching climate change can also affect our agriculture due to its effects like
droughts. Our farmers have started to grow old, and only few are replacing our old
farmers. Since we do not have much money for spending in agricultural needs,
machinery needed for this has become a great expense for our pockets. Our technology
regarding agriculture is not given enough attention. As a result, farmers are forced to
double their workloads since our country lacks machinery and technology to improve
our produce. (Philippine Statistics Authority: Selected Statistics on Agriculture, 2020)
To control and stop these problems, awareness is important as well as having a voice
and a stand in terms of this topic. Programs should be implemented by the government
and providing subsidies for the irrigation systems of the land. As a part of millennials,
we can share our thoughts using social media to campaign our advocacy to better
improve our economy especially in agriculture for we depend on it in terms of
production. Let's be proud of our own, allow our local farmers to feel that they are
important, supporting them with their cause, buying locally produced rice, crops,
vegetables, and fruits, and advocating for them to get what they truly deserve are just
simple acts but will truly create a difference. Farming is not just a job, it is a way of life.
They are heroes in their own right. Together, let us support our local Agri-farmers
because our future depends on them!

By FAITH JARHOSET ALIPIO

A16 BS Psychology