Farmers, fishers
FARMERS and fishermen comprise the bulk of the more than 109 million population of the Philippines, which remains as one of the world’s “major manpower exporters.”
But it is disheartening to note that although they ensure that the Filipino people have enough food to eat, farmers and fishers continue to wallow in grinding poverty.
Admittedly, farmers and fishermen, many of them unlettered, are the top two poorest sectors in this natural resources-rich but impoverished Southeast Asian nation.
They will continue to suffer unless concerned government authorities act – and move fast – to address their many problems amid the devastating effects of climate change.
And people are glad that Sen. Cynthia A. Villar, chair of the Senate committee on agriculture, continues to champion the cause of Filipino farmers and fishers.
“Our farmers (and fishermen) belong to the country’s heroes so they serve as my inspiration in my job as a senator,” said Villar, who topped the 2019 senatorial elections.
We share her view that farmers ought to be equipped with modern technology to raise their harvest that would result to abundant rice supply and its cheaper cost.
Of course, we cannot overemphasize the importance of farmers and fishermen supporting pro-agriculture candidates in next year’s national and local elections.
In our view, these farm workers, notably their leaders, have gained a lot of information on the programs of the many candidates seeking national posts in the May 9 polls.
Like industrial workers, farmers and fishermen are a force to reckon with during elections.
