Revolutionary ideas bear fruit

We often equate revolution with those who call for change or mount demonstrations to protest government actions or inaction.

But it was demonstrated over the weekend that real change of mindset and hearts as well as institutions are achieved by those who just silently plod on and implement revolutionary ideas.

This change of attitude became evident over the weekend in Negros Occidental. And the impact of these so-called silent revolutions will endure better than the dramatic outcry against policies and practices of the government.

One of the most dramatic of these silent revolutions is the announcement of plans by successful cooperatives here to set up an ambitious swine-raising program that will not only cater to domestic consumers but also to an extended market elsewhere.

Nestor Bayona, executive assistant of Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Maranon, for example disclosed that the Capitol Employee government cooperative had built up a P50-million fund and had approved a plant to set aside P25 million for a venture with the Arceo Ramos Piggery in Minoyan, Murcia.

That may sound as just another project. But this is something that calls for the acquisition of 16,000 heads of swine.

The La Castellana public school teachers’ cooperative had also spread out its membership all over the province and now has more than enough funds to finance another piggery with 15,000 heads.

The public school teachers’ cooperative has a complement of 10 full-time employees and a general manager. The coop doesn’t just make credit available to mentors and members. It has also reached out to agrarian reform beneficiaries, lending them the capital needed to make their lands productive.

In short, they have done what the government had promised — support services.

In short, they are helping ARBs more than most Negros government organizations which simply stage protest actions to demand the installation of ARBs. Instead, they simply assist former tillers who badly need help.

Bayona said the piggeries, including one in Hacienda Caridad with 600 heads, will have a facility to have their swines slaughtered and shipped out to other parts of the country, especially Metro Manila.

Choice cuts usually fetch higher prices. And modern slaughter houses enable piggery owners to make full use of every cut. In short, it generates more income than just selling it live.

Sagay City also has a processing plant that will handle the slaughter. That, I think, will register a major impact on Negrenses.

In short, these moves by the cooperatives will accelerate the diversification program of the provincial government.

That’s why the 47 cooperatives of the province had asked permission from the Central Bank to put up a local cooperative branch here. In the past, the National Cooperative Bank has a branch here, which folded up. With so much excess capital around, the operations of a cooperative bank here may prove feasible this time.

Cooperativism is a radical idea. It influences among members a sense of community and responsibility. It also instills a sense of dialogue and harmony. Thus, it gradually changes the mindset of Negrenses.

Cojuangco cooperative partners

Over the weekend, businessman Eduardo Cojuangco distributed P10 million in advanced dividends to some 1,700 land reform beneficiaries of his landholding during his birthday anniversary at Hacienda Balbina in Pontevedra town.

The 1,700 workers have joined hands with Cojuangco as co-owners of the businessman’s former landholdings.

The distribution was held at the Galleria de Pontevedra, which was filled up with farm beneficiaries and major dignitaries who attended the affairs.

In his speech, Cojuangco said: " I am happy that my workers in all my farms in the Philippines are now my partners."

"Some people may not agree with what I am doing, But I truly believe in what we are doing. Otherwise, we will not be doing this," he added.

Bedayo summed up the attitude of grateful workers: "May God grant you more years."

Cojuangco celebrated his birthday with his family around him. Of course, wife Gretchen led the celebration. Also present were Reps. Mike and Charlie. The former is congressman of Pangasinan’s fifth district. Also present were Lisa and husband, Dr. Nick Cruz, grandchildren Claudia, Jayme, Santi and Sophie.

Gov. Maranon and wife Aida led the officials who greeted Cojuangco. With them were Vice Gov. Isidro Zayco, La Carlota Mayor Jeffrey Ferrer, Bago City’s Janet Torres, Dr. Nelson Tubillara of San Enrique, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia and wife Elsa and Rep. Claudio Bautista of Davao.

Maranon, himself an advocate of modern farming, pointed out that what is needed by the province is the production of high value crops as practiced by the Cojuangco farms.

These, Maranon added, are the things that could enable the farmers and workers to earn more.

Freedom Day

Independence Day was celebrated in Bacolod City with a parade early yesterday morning. The reason why it was held in the morning was due to the fact that a big group of Church-led organizations have scheduled a rally against Charter change at the Bacolod Plaza in the afternoon.

Assistant Secretary Gerard Salapantan was the featured guest speaker in the afternoon rally.

Fr. Aniceto Buenafe, social action center head, said the Church-led anti-Cha-cha rally is to defend the country’s independence amid moves to remove the nationalist and patriotic constitutional provisions.

Anyway, the issues have been joined. But even Bishop Vicente Navarra has no illusion that the protest will generate as much support. But then, who knows?

But based on mobilization of the masses, local political leaders can marshal more from the puroks and barangays than parish priest, religious organizations and Catholic lay leaders.