To usher in the New Year 2020, let me enumerate our little victories in our national efforts to usher in a new era of PH Agriculture leading to, ultimately, the liberation of the poor farmers from the shackles of poverty. Easier said than done! But we will persevere. (main 2020 image from Shutterstock[1])
We have a new Secretary of Agriculture who is non-political, dedicated, busy as a bee, experienced, scientific, managerial, and comes from humble beginnings: William Dar/Manong Willie, Ilocano. Napudno. True.
We have a new Vision for PH Agriculture – "Masaganang Ani at Malaki ang Kita" (Plentiful Harvest & Bountiful Income). You can't have one without the other!
We have a new national agenda for action that covers everything from the ground up and from here to far. From Manong Willie, this is the "New Thinking for Agriculture" that emanates itself in 8 forces for action: (1) Modernization of Agriculture, (2) Industrialization of Agriculture, (3) Promotion of Exports, (4) Farm Consolidation (5) Infrastructure Development, (6) Higher Budget & Investments for Agriculture, (7) Legislative Support, and (8) Roadmap Development.
We have a new national methodology to bring about progress: partnerships. Born of ICRISAT, where Manong Willie was Director General 2000 to 2014. Public sector works with private sector to bring about mutually rewarding economic endeavors. Partnerships include philanthropists, civic groups.
As partners, the financial agencies have been convinced and are now actively participating in the pursuit of relevant programs and projects addressing the many credit needs of farmers, especially the poor.
As partners, the local government units have been aroused to activity for the common purpose of serving in their respective capacities the farmers, especially the poor, in matters of extending assistance as may be necessary.
As partners, the state colleges & universities have been alerted and now know they have to discover more knowledge and assemble more appropriate technologies and systems via research for development.
As partners, the mass media have been directly implored to contribute to the national efforts of waking up what Secretary of Finance Carlos Dominguez refers to as the Sleeping Giant of Agriculture.
As partners, the aggie journalists themselves have been informed and implored to write about the needs for vigilance and appropriate advices according to the needs of the times, even as the rice crisis stalks the land. Mass communication in, messcommunication out!
As partners, the farmer leaders have been requested to contribute to the quiet and not continue to alarm their farmer groups as if the Du30 government is not doing anything to alleviate the situation and advance the interests of the farmers.
The Grand Vision has been conceived, and it is inclusive development, where everyone is an actor and where all in the chain receive their dues from their respective contributions to the values. Inclusive development must be expansive development, for all. (See also my earlier essay, "New Jedis Out Of Undiscovered Country – Journalism For Expansive Development[2]!")
Victory does not come easy. But there is no substitute for victory!@517
[1]https://www.shutterstock.com/search/new+year+2020
[2]https://kitanijournalism.blogspot.com/2019/12/new-jedis-out-of-undiscovered-country.html
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