"Natural farming in the service of the poor"

PerspecThis is the theme of the first Visayas Summit on Natural Farming and Sustainable Agriculture on December 14, 2010 at the Cebu Technical School, N. Bacalso St., South Superhighway across Cebu City Medical Center, according to Mr. Roberto “Bobby” Bajenting, the present chairperson of the Cebu Coalition for Food Security (CCFS).

The coalition believes that “hunger breeds violence” and that natural farming will adequately address food production and security, in the service of the poor, especially the millions experiencing hunger.

In behalf of the partners of CCFS, Bobby invites all interested individuals, groups, institutions to grace this summit with their presence and together, “nurture our aspirations – rooted in the service of the poor.” Those interested to participate in this summit can visit the CCFS office at 102 P. Del Rosario Extension, Cebu City or can contact (032) 418-2168 or send their inquiries through [email protected].

The Summit’s keynote speaker will be Surigao Vice-Governor Manuel Alameda Jr. Topics lined up for the morning session include the presentation of the summit rationale by Bimbo Fernandez of the Pagtambayayong Foundation Inc, and a discussion of RA 10068 by Director Gilberto Layese of the Department of Agriculture.

Active participation is expected during the summit especially during the session regarding the Visayas Road Map to be presented by the National Organic Agriculture Board and for the afternoon sessions where best practices related to natural farming and sustainable agriculture will be shared by representatives from Siquijor, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.

For the information of our readers, R.A 10068 is also known as the “Organic Agriculture Act of 2010.” Section 2 of R.A 10068 states that “it shall be the policy of the State to promote, propagate, develop further and implement the practice of organic agriculture in the Philippines that will cumulatively condition and enrich the fertility of the soil, increase farm productivity, reduce pollution and destruction of the environment, prevent the depletion of natural resources, further protect the health of farmers, consumers, and the general public, and save on imported farm inputs. Towards this end, a comprehensive program for the promotion of community-based organic agriculture systems which include, among others, farmer-produced purely organic fertilizers such as compost, pesticides and other farm inputs, together with a nationwide educational and promotional campaign for their use and processing as well as adoption of organic agriculture system as a viable alternative shall be undertaken. The State recognizes and supports the central role of the farmers, indigenous people and other stakeholders at the grassroots in this program.”

Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, himself a natural farming advocate and practitioner, has recently announced that the DA is setting aside an initial P900 million next year to implement various initiatives under the “Organic Agriculture Act of 2010” or Republic Act No. 10068.

This announcement is welcome news for all genuine advocates and practitioners of natural farming like Bobby Bajenting. But Bobby will also be the first to confirm that political will on the part of government and the sustainable commitment of all others are the basic foundation for a successful implementation of natural farming, not budget solely.

With or without budget, Bobby has pushed on with his personal campaign to promote natural farming in various parts of Cebu and other regions. He can show you proof of bountiful harvests that have not only addressed hunger but have also improved the lives of the farmers and other practitioners.

Even schools and school children that have adopted Bobby’s organic farming methods can attest to the rich yields as well as the benefits that natural farming has brought about for a cleaner environment (through the conversion of biodegradable waste to compost fertilizer), for food security, as well as for livelihood and income generation.

Let us carefully monitor how the huge budget allocation for natural farming next year will be used. Effective and transparent budget allocation and use can certainly go a long way in encouraging sincere and genuine farmers and other stakeholders to shift to natural farming that can result in richer, safer harvests and stable livelihood and income source much needed by our people and a more protective environment for our country.

* * *

Email: [email protected]