Modernization is the key to the future of farming — and this means adopting cutting-edge technology, forming cooperatives, providing support infrastructure, converting to organic methods, and changing our mindset on farming.

This is the big lesson learned from the Farmers’ Summit held at the Balon Bayambang Events Center on August 9. Organized by the Bayambang Poverty Reduction Plan (BPRP) team under Municipal Administrator Atty. Rodelynn Rajini Sagarino-Vidad, in cooperation with the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) under Artemio Buezon and the federation of local farmers’ associations, the Summit gathered together under one roof Bayambang’s rice, corn, onion, and vegetable producers and technical experts from PhilRice, Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives, and Organika, among others.

Atty. Sagarino-Vidad, in her welcome remarks, reminded the crowd of more than 1,000 that the town’s farmers are on top of the mind of the Quiambao-Sabangan administration. In fact, the idea for the summit was formed right after the Anti-Poverty Summit, as the farmers’ concerns were seen to be in need of the most urgent action.

“Gusto naming kayo ay yumaman, at ang inyong pamilya ay maging masaya,” said Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao in his inspirational message. He went on to outline his administration’s plan on how to carry this out in concrete: through farm mechanization, strengthening of existing cooperatives, construction of the Pantol-to-San Gabriel II Diversion Road, and the planned Bayambang Pump Irrigation project. “We will run our farming industry like a corporation,” he proclaimed. “Bayambang’s farm products should have a brand.”

A successful local farmer, Francisco Alvarez, gave witness to how his family’s life was transformed by dint of hard work at the farm, inspiring his fellow tillers of soil. Alvarez’s experience, it must be noted, is the reverse of the stereotypical local farmer who BPRP Focal Person Dr. Joel T. Cayabyab likened to a priest: “First, they make a vow of poverty, then they make a pact with God (to protect their crops).”

Easily the most awe-inspiring presentation was the one given by Dr. Roger Barroga of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija). Focusing on the future of rice farming in the Philippines, Barroga introduced the farmers to new ideas such as laser-assisted land leveling, use of mechanical planters and combine harvesters, automated farm monitoring via wireless sensors, use of drones as sprayers, rice apps for free downloads, ecological engineering (including biological pest management), aquaponics or soil-less farming, use of alternative energy, zero-waste farm production, rainwater harvesting, recycling, and even rice paddy art and farm tourism.

Engr. Cesario L. Tabago and other representatives from the Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives, which was established in 1992 by Catholic Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, gave testimonials to the long road to success that their group has taken.

Teddy Villamil Jr. of Organika explained the benefits of converting to organic methods, which largely means foregoing the practice of using chemical pesticides, which turn the soil acidic, not to mention harming our health and damaging the environment.

BPRP’s focal person on agricultural modernization, Angelica Andrea Garcia, introduced the farmers to the Millennial Farmers’ Association of Bayambang, which aims to recruit her fellow millennials to take up farming as a serious and lucrative profession.

During the open forum, farmers voiced out their concerns on the various subjects raised, and they were addressed by Atty. Sagarino-Vidad, the panel of guests, and MAO’s agricultural technicians.

The summit also featured booths from various participants (including one offering novel finger foods created by Bayambang Master Chef 2018 Ulyses Urlanda), raffle draws that gave away farm equipment and other prizes, distribution of seeds and seedlings, and a pledge of commitment for farmers to join the revolution against poverty in their own capacity.