The town of Tuburan in Cebu, known as the coffee capital of the province, recently hosted a major event that brought together over 350 local farmers and various government agencies. This forum, a Post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) event organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), focused on supporting the agricultural sector while promoting Tuburan’s vision for the future. This vision aims to transform agriculture into a sustainable tourism experience. The goal is to highlight local products, preserve the region’s cultural heritage, and boost the local economy. This initiative shows how a community can team up to leverage its agricultural strengths, creating unique opportunities for both residents and visitors while emphasizing the essential role farmers play in socioeconomic development.
A Focus on Farmers at the Post-SONA Forum
Tuburan’s Mayor, Democrito Aljun Diamante, was very grateful to the PIA for choosing his town as the place for the forum. He stressed that this event brought important attention to local farmers and the agricultural sector, which is critical to Tuburan’s identity and economy. According to Diamante, several programs are already in place to uplift farmers and improve agriculture in the region. These programs include investments in infrastructure, training for farmers, and partnerships with other government agencies. He highlighted the significance of working together, stating, “Pinaagi sa pagtinabangay ug sa tanang sektor sa katilingban mausab nato ang kinabuhi sa atong katawhan ug pinaagi niini mausab nato ang atong pinalanggang Pilipinas,” which means, “Through teamwork and the involvement of all sectors of society, we can change the lives of our people, and through that, we can change our beloved Philippines.” This idea emphasizes the shared responsibility and teamwork required to create important change. The Post-SONA forum in Tuburan is the third such event in the Philippines, following similar forums in Oriental Mindoro and Sultan Kudarat. This shows the government’s dedication to reaching out to and helping local communities across the country.
Government Services and Assistance Delivered
A key aspect of the forum was the presence of multiple government agencies providing direct services to Tuburan residents. The Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 7, for instance, distributed seedlings, a vital resource for farmers aiming to increase their crop yields. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 7, under its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), allocated a total of ₱2.2 million to six local associations. These funds support various projects like general merchandise businesses, mushroom production, poultry farming, and tilapia tank culture. This direct aid positively affects residents of several barangays, promoting self-sufficiency and economic growth at the grassroots level. For example, in Barangay Cogon, a community plans to produce and sell mushrooms in the local market, while other groups intend to raise chickens for both eggs and meat. One group is even planning to construct an indoor recirculating system to raise tilapia with limited water usage.
Moreover, 350 coffee farmers received ₱3,000 each from the AKAP program, which provided crucial financial assistance. The Department of Health (DOH) also made a significant contribution by offering free pneumococcal and flu vaccines, which helps improve the overall health of the community. The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) further aided residents by offering rice at a reduced price of ₱29 per kilo through a special rice caravan. This subsidized rice was made available to vulnerable households, including senior citizens, single parents, persons with disabilities, and beneficiaries of the government’s 4Ps program, effectively addressing food security challenges in the area. The NIA is responding to calls for affordable food for the most vulnerable, providing a much-needed and valuable resource. Other agencies taking part in the event included the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), PAG-IBIG Fund, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), each offering a range of services tailored to their specific roles. A local resident, Jelyn Mojado, who is 30 years old, shared her appreciation for the initiative, highlighting how the event made government services accessible. She mentioned that it was particularly important to save locals both the expense and trouble of traveling to the city. Mojado also valued the advice she received from the NBI, commenting on how the program had helped ease her daily living expenses by providing affordable food.
The Rise of Agri-Tourism
The event also showcased the increasing significance of agri-tourism, blending agriculture with tourism, allowing visitors to engage with rural life. This includes exploring farmlands and actively participating in cultivation, essentially experiencing “farm-to-table” firsthand. As highlighted by DOT-7 Regional Director Judy Gabato, representing Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, this travel trend is increasingly popular globally, as many people now seek experiences that connect them to the land, the food they eat, and the people behind it. Activities like harvest festivals, culinary tours, and farm stays are becoming sought-after tourist attractions. This sector appeals to various travelers, offering opportunities to learn, unwind, and provide a positive impact on rural communities. Gabato pointed out that agri-tourism could serve as an essential economic lifeline for rural regions, enabling them to capture a portion of the expanding global tourism market. This boost will help maintain traditional agricultural methods and provide a distinctive advantage, allowing residents to showcase local specialties and enhance tourism. Tuburan, with its robust agricultural heritage and rich coffee culture, is ideally positioned to benefit from this growing trend.
Fostering a Growth Mindset
Mayor Diamante also highlighted the need for a shift in mindset among his community. He encouraged residents to escape the cycle of poverty by cultivating a hardworking attitude and not solely relying on government help. Diamante urged the community to become productive and take control of their future, rather than waiting on government officials for assistance. He emphasized the importance of empowering citizens, providing them with the skills and knowledge required for success. He explained, “That is why we have to empower them and teach them how to fish and teach them also for financial literacy and stability. May panultion nga if we will give them fish they can only eat now but if we will teach them how to fish, they can eat for their entire life.” This philosophy highlights the need to teach people entrepreneurial skills and financial management principles. By empowering residents to shape their own success, the program aims to create lasting change in Tuburan.
Strengthening Agricultural Research
To further enhance agricultural development in Tuburan, the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) and the local government signed a deed of donation for a two-hectare parcel of land. This land will be designated for the first satellite office of DA-BAR in the Visayas region, aimed at bringing cutting-edge research results and agricultural support closer to local farmers. Mayor Diamante elaborated on this initiative, saying “Bureau of Agricultural Research will cater to the whole Visayas and Mindanao to research unsay dapat nga itanom ug unsay mga technology and science-based nga pag-uma unya ang atong buhaton is kugi ra g’yud,” meaning “The Bureau of Agricultural Research will serve the entire Visayas and Mindanao to study what to plant, what technologies and science-based farming methods to utilize, and then all we need to do is work very hard.” This satellite office seeks to bridge the divide between advanced research and practical farming applications, ensuring that farmers can reap the benefits of the latest agricultural innovations. This should enable farmers to access new technologies and scientific methods, ultimately ensuring agricultural success in their endeavors.
Summary
The Post-SONA forum in Tuburan, Cebu, was a multi-faceted event focused on empowering local farmers and advancing the agricultural sector while promoting sustainable tourism opportunities and economic stability. Over 350 farmers gained access to critical government support, which included financial assistance, free vaccinations, and subsidized rice. The event not only provided immediate relief, but it also laid the foundation for long-term growth through investments in agriculture, improved agricultural practices through science and technology, and community empowerment through economic and financial literacy support. The dedication to creating a thriving environment for local farmers was evident, as direct services and government agency support were readily available. The expansion of agricultural research programs and the commitment to tourism and entrepreneurship are all geared towards fostering local growth and development, ensuring that the community is actively involved in shaping its future.
FAQ Section
What was the purpose of the Post-SONA Forum in Tuburan?
The forum aimed to support the local agricultural sector, provide direct assistance to farmers, promote agri-tourism, and connect the local community with government programs.
Who benefited from the event?
Over 350 local farmers from Tuburan benefited from the event. Additionally, community members, especially vulnerable groups, received support and services, including access to subsidized affordable food and health services.
What type of assistance was provided?
The assistance included various services such as the distribution of seedlings from the Department of Agriculture, financial aid through the Sustainable Livelihood Program, support for coffee farmers from the AKAP program, free pneumococcal and flu vaccinations from the Department of Health, and affordable rice provided by the National Irrigation Authority’s rice caravan.
What is agri-tourism, and how does it fit into Tuburan’s vision?
Agri-tourism combines agriculture with tourism, allowing visitors to experience farm life firsthand. Tuburan aims to leverage this trend to showcase its local products and cultural heritage while creating economic opportunities for residents.
What are Tuburan’s plans for agricultural development?
Tuburan is focused on improving agricultural productivity through infrastructure investments, training for farmers, partnerships with government agencies, and promotions for research via the newly established satellite office for the DA-BAR in the Visayas region.
How did the community react to the event?
The community responded very positively to the event, with local residents expressing gratitude for the services, direct assistance, and a new vision focused on the future of the region.
References
Philippine Information Agency – Central Visayas (PIA-7).
Department of Agriculture – Region 7 (DA-7).
Department of Social Welfare and Development – Region 7 (DSWD-7).
Department of Tourism – Region 7 (DOT-7).
National Irrigation Authority – Region 7 (NIA-7).
Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR).
The FREEMAN.
If you care about agriculture and want to help Tuburan thrive, get involved! Visit your local government agencies to learn more about how you can contribute to this great initiative. Your support could make a meaningful difference in the lives of farmers and the wider community!
