Growing what we need

Our country has been gifted with fertile soil—but, due to El Niño and other effects of climate change, a drought has wrought havoc on our farmers. Because of hunger, a protest ended fatally for three farmers in Kidapawan, North Cotabato, when policemen clashed with participants of the rally.

Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan spoke at Sofitel’s Bulong Pulungan two weeks prior to the tragic protest, and talked about food security and agriculture. Kiko is an organic farmer himself, with three hectares of fertile land growing coconuts, bananas and vegetables. He also has a piggery and poultry farm.

Kiko’s ideas in agriculture should be emulated. Families should kearn to be self-sufficient by planting what they need.  We have to make it happen so no one has to starve again!

Students should be encouraged to farm. We can have a kitchen garden in our own backyard, or plant herbs in pots.

You can attend seminars at Ani on weekends and buy seedlings from the group. Or, ask Marleina’s Farm in White Plains for advice if you want your own patch of green.

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Thanks to Good Samaritans who contributed to my surgery for spasmodic dysphonia, a speech disorder. The procedure will be performed at the Isshiki Voice Clinic Center Hospital in Kyoto, Japan. My physician, Dr. Isshiki, has developed a permanent solution to the speech disorder. Salamat po.