SABLAN, Benguet – A non-governmental organization, Kordilyera Media Citizen Council (KMCC), facilitated a roundtable discussion recently to introduce diversified farming to a small farming community at Barangay Bagong in Sablan, Benguet.
This gathering was prompted by the community’s struggles to source food during the pandemic and when they were stranded due to a nearby landslide blocking their main roadway.
In an effort to promote sustainable farming and food security, KMCC collaborated with several government agencies, including the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR), to support Sablan farmers interested in transitioning to diversified farming.
KMCC, a coalition of media and NGOs, acts as a liaison between communities, decision-makers, policymakers, and government agencies. Through this discussion, they aim to understand the community’s concerns to advocate for necessary changes effectively.
Identified challenges during the roundtable discussion included expensive farm inputs, fluctuating vegetable prices, and a shortage of water irrigation systems. However, opportunities were also recognized, such as government financial support and infrastructure improvements like streetlights and farm-to-market roads.
Oliver Pe from DA-CAR’s Organic Agriculture program suggested organic farming as a suitable practice for Bagong farmers transitioning to diversified farming. Despite its stricter guidelines, Pe assured farmers of the agency’s technical and physical support.
“Organic farming may have restrictions, but it’s feasible in your community,” Pe emphasized, noting its potential to mitigate existing irrigation issues and reduce transportation costs.
Rogelio Marsan, owner of Cosmic Farm Organic Veggies, echoed Pe’s sentiments, highlighting organic farming’s efficiency in water usage and transportation, as well as its market appeal. He even committed to providing free workshops on organic agriculture for fellow farmers.
Additionally, Chris Gonzales from the Benguet Electric Cooperative pledged assistance in installing streetlights on farm-to-market roads and offering technical support for creating hydroponic systems to aid farmers in their transition to diversified farming. By Joven B. Peralta
