The Cordillera is an agricultural region. Due to the ECQ, many farmers had difficulty in disposing their vegetables at the vegetable trading post in La Trinidad, Benguet. 

On March 20, 2020, the hub started coordinating with barangay LGUs to buy the vegetables, especially carrots and Chinese pechay, as relief goods. Families, Social Action Centers, and other faith-based groups were also tapped to buy from the farmers.  

The provincial LGU designated places in Baguio and in Benguet where farmers could sell the vegetables at Php 10 per kilo, but a huge volume continue to be undisposed. CODE NGO staff also tried to connect us with potential buyers in Manila but logistical constraints face us. 

So as not to waste their produce, many small farmers donated their vegetables for free to anyone who would have them. It would be their contribution to others’ well-being during this crisis, they said. It was a thought more consoling than going back home with their unsold harvest. 

Other farmers who had to sell at a minimum price were still grateful for the hub’s help. They could go home immediately and away from the urban areas and risks of contagion. 

To uplift their spirits, we told them that many groups are finding ways to help them. Mina, one of the assisted farmers, said in Kankanaey, “Kalalayad ay laton baw ay wada di manginemnemnem endakami ay owayet pay ulay adidakami am-ammo. (It is heartwarming to know that there are people thinking of us simple folks even if we do not know each other.)” 

Benguet is placed in ECQ until May 15, 2020. While there are farmers who seek our assistance, we will continue to do our part.

By Cristina Segnaken Aban, Cordillera Network of NGOs and POs (CORDNET)