With Central Luzon being the major and longstanding producer of rice in the country, many of its farmers today come from a generation of families involved in agriculture. For them, farming is no longer just a job– it’s a way of life ingrained in the heart of Luzon. What makes their stories more special is continue reading…
Producing a third of the country’s total rice production, Central Luzon is known as the Rice Granary of the Philippines. It is home to thousands of dedicated farmers, who tirelessly work on the fields to feed the nation. While Central Luzon may be known for its vast plains cultivating the Filipino’s staple food, what many continue reading…
In the series of interviews with the Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) officers and members of the Bicol Region and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) for the Lakbay Panayam, there is one thing in common. It is the support of the local chief executives (LCE) and the local government units (LGU) to the Philippine Council for continue reading…
For generations, Cordillera heirloom rice varieties have weathered an unforgiving climate and the harshest of terrains, and have developed resilience against pests and diseases which could devastate even newer hybrid varieties. In a way, the plight of the very farmers who continue to cultivate them mirrors the heirloom rice varieties’ story of survival and endurance. continue reading…
The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is known for its abundant natural resources. Its vast mountains hold rich mineral deposits while its terraces are famous for housing a variety of rice and highland fruits and vegetables. Tagged as the vegetable basket of the country, many forget that CAR is also home to several indigenous tribes with continue reading…
Pakikisama is a typical trait of a Filipino, in its simplest sense meaning “getting along with others”1. The word entails a genuine intrinsic appreciation of togetherness. Group harmony and unity is valued2. Pakikiisa means “being one with” . It is considered as the highest level of Filipino social interaction3. ——– Julian Martinez, the Municipal Agricultural continue reading…
As gender roles evolve over time, women become more and more active in pursuing interests and careers outside the home. One particular field, in which women flourish, is the agriculture sector. This is especially evident in the Bicol Region, where the Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs) give rise to many outstanding women leaders. In this continue reading…
