While Palawan’s pristine beaches and lush rainforests have made it a global tourist destination, there is more to this Philippine province than meets the eye. Beneath its ecological beauty lies a thriving agricultural and fishery industry, sustained by the unwavering dedication of its local communities.

In 2020 alone, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that Palawan accounted for a staggering 54% of the region’s total agri-fishery production value, amounting to PhP 35.72 billion. This is a testament to the resilience and hard work of its farmers and fisherfolk.

At the heart of this agricultural success are the Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs), composed of dedicated individuals who have volunteered their time and expertise to improve the lives of their fellow Palaweño farmers and fishers. These farmer-leaders have played a crucial role in shaping agricultural policies, advocating for sustainable practices, and ensuring that local farmers and fishers receive the support they need to thrive. Their tireless efforts have not only helped to boost the local economy but have also contributed to the preservation of the province’s natural resources.

As we explore the stories of these remarkable individuals, we gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges and triumphs of Palawan’s agricultural sector. The AFCs’ unwavering commitment to their communities serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us that even in the most unlikely of places, ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference.

A Pandemic Hero: How Roger Garinga kept the AFC going

A Bicolano by birth, Roger Garinga embarked on a journey that would forever shape his life and the future of Palawan’s agricultural sector. In 1993, he joined the Institute for the Development of Educational and Ecological Alternatives, Inc. (IDEAS), a non-government organization dedicated to sustainable development. This work brought him to Palawan in 1997, where he quickly became immersed in the province’s environmental and agricultural challenges.

As an advocate for sustainable agriculture, Garinga worked closely with the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Quezon, Palawan. In 2005, he joined the Quezon Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council (MAFC) and soon rose to become its chairperson. His leadership extended beyond the local level, as he was elected Palawan Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) chairperson in 2011.

Even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Garinga’s commitment to the AFC remained unwavering. He adapted to the circumstances by utilizing short message service (SMS) to conduct meetings, ensuring that quorum was maintained and that all resolutions were meticulously typed and documented. Under his leadership, the PAFC developed innovative policy resolutions to support farmers and fishers. 

One of Garinga’s significant contributions was his recommendation to local government units (LGUs) to procure agri-fishery goods directly from farmers and fishers as part of their pandemic relief efforts. This initiative aimed to provide a ready market for local produce, offer healthier food options, and support struggling farmers and fishers.

Garinga’s dedication to his community goes beyond his formal roles. He actively monitors Department of Agriculture (DA) projects in his free time, reporting on issues such as damaged irrigation canals and underutilized facilities. His only request is for his monitoring reports to lead to an increased accountability and additional resources for AFC monitoring activities.

When asked about his motivation for his volunteer work, Garinga emphasized the importance of safe and sustainable food production for the well-being of communities. 

“Gusto naming makita na ligtas ang mga tao dahil ligtas ang pagkain,” he said. (We want to see that people are safe because their food is safe.)

His legacy is evident in the organized and effective MAFC in Quezon, a testament to his leadership and the positive impact he has had on Palawan’s agricultural sector.

“Malaki ang naitulong ni PAFC Chairperson Roger Garinga sa pagsasaayos ng MAFC dito sa Quezon. Nung naging PAFC Chairperson siya, siya ang nagsilbing inspirasyon sa mga hindi matatawarang contribution ng pumalit sa kanya sa MAFC,” retired Quezon Municipal Agriculturist Romeo Segay said. (PAFC Chairperson Roger Garinga was a huge help in organizing the MAFC in Quezon. When he became the PAFC Chairperson, he served as an inspiration to the invaluable contributions of the succeeding MAFC Chairpersons.)

A Champion of Urban Farming: How Jefferson Santos cultivates community and sustainability

Jefferson “Jeffrey” Santos’s journey from computer coding to crop yields exemplifies the power of passion and determination. Originally from Quezon City, Santos dreamed of owning his own farm and eventually realized that dream in Palawan.

With his savings from a computer and printing shop, Santos purchased a piece of land suitable for backyard farming in Palawan. There, he established a productive farm, growing crops like pechay, lettuce, and bokchoy, which he supplies to local restaurants and markets.

In 2016, Santos discovered the AFC and soon became the chairperson of the Highly Urbanized City Agricultural and Fishery Council (HUCAFC) of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Under his leadership, the HUCAFC partnered with the City Agriculture Office (CAO) on various initiatives, including seed and fertilizer distribution, coastal clean-up drives, and tree-planting activities. The HUCAFC even initiated a project called “Love Affair with Nature,” requiring newlyweds to plant mangroves to preserve fish habitats.

To ensure the financial stability of HUCAFC members, Santos and the CAO have arranged for the Gintong Butil Farm, a demonstration farm managed by the CAO, to serve as a drop-off point of their produce for the Kadiwa on wheels. The HUCAFC’s effectiveness has led to increased recognition and support with the Council now having its own office in CAO.

Instead of the quarterly meetings suggested by the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) Guidelines on the Engagement of Consultative Bodies (GoECB), the Puerto Princesa HUCAFC aimed for monthly meetings starting March 2024. The Council is set to conduct a total of ten meetings this year, focusing on addressing the needs of farmer and fisher cooperatives and associations, including requests for drones, tractors, solar-powered irrigation systems, and training programs.

To better address issues in the fisheries sector, Santos invited the Puerto Princesa City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council chairperson to join the HUCAFC. The council also actively monitored DA-funded projects monthly to ensure that they remain beneficial to their stakeholders.

Capitalizing on the falling prices of live animals in 2023, Santos introduced meat processing training to HUCAFC members involved in poultry and livestock farming. This skill development enabled members to diversify their income streams by creating value-added products such as tocino and longganisa. These trainings were funded by Santos, the MAFC coordinator, and the Regional AFC.

Santos is a proponent of data-driven agriculture, believing that documenting every step of the farming process can lead to higher production and income. He aims to empower farmers through this technique and inspire others to start their own backyard farms.

“Yung bakanteng lote dyan sa tapat [ng bahay namin], tinaniman namin ng gulay na pwedeng pagkunan ng mga kapitbahay kapag kailangan nila. Walang bayad anytime. Sana ma-inspire din sila na magtanim sa sarili nilang bakuran,” he said. (We planted vegetables at the vacant lot in front of our house so that our neighbors can have some when they needed it. It’s free so they can get anytime. I hope we inspire them to start farming in their own backyard.)

Santos’ vision extends beyond his own farm and that of his neighborhood. He aspires to make Palawan renowned for its highland vegetable production, a growing industry in the region. His dedication, innovation, and community-oriented approach have made him a valuable asset to the agricultural sector in Palawan.

A Resurgent Leader: How Rollie Golez revived the Narra MAFC

Rollie Golez, a seasoned farm owner and former university professor, has emerged as a driving force behind the revitalization of the Narra Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council (MAFC). After years of inactivity, the council was finally reorganized in May 2023.

Golez’s journey to agricultural leadership began with a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries from the Aborlan National Agriculture College (now the Western Philippines University). After a brief stint as a university professor in the same University, he ventured into the private sector. He worked in the construction industry, where he met his wife, who works as a civil engineer.

Together, they invested in a one-hectare farm in Narra, where they cultivated rice and corn. Their agricultural endeavors grew over time, expanding to a total of nine-hectare land dispersed around Narra, where they nurse fruit-bearing trees and raise chickens, hogs, and goats.

Golez’s involvement with the MAFC began through a meeting convened by the MAO. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Chairperson of the Sectoral Committee on Corn and later as Vice Chairperson. In January 2024, he assumed the role of MAFC Chairperson, succeeding his predecessor who had accepted a new position at a state university.

Under Golez’s leadership, the MAFC has witnessed a surge in member engagement and activity. Despite the council’s recent reorganization, meetings are now attended by up to a hundred participants. To manage the large attendance and address budgetary constraints, Golez has implemented a system of sectoral committee meetings, limiting the number of attendees to 30.

The MAFC’s revitalization has also garnered support from the local government. The Narra local chief executive has been actively involved, attending quarterly meetings and demonstrating support for the council’s initiatives. A pending resolution requesting the construction of a dedicated MAFC office further highlights the council’s growing influence.

Golez’s primary goal is to enhance the capabilities of MAFC officers through training programs. By equipping council members with the necessary skills, he aims to strengthen their ability to serve the local farming community and collaborate effectively with DA.

Through his tireless efforts, Rollie Golez has breathed new life into the Narra MAFC. His leadership has not only revitalized the council but has also ignited a renewed sense of purpose and community among local farmers and fishers. As the council continues to grow and evolve, it is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Narra’s agricultural sector.

The stories of Roger Garinga, Jefferson Santos, and Rollie Golez highlight the vital role of farmer-leaders in shaping Palawan’s agricultural landscape. In the hands of these dedicated farmer-leaders, Palawan is not only a tourist paradise but also a thriving hub for agriculture and fisheries, where sustainability and community development go hand in hand and where nature’s beauty and human resilience intertwine. | Joy Camille Luza