In the heart of the mountain area of barangay Puray, Rodriguez, Rizal, lies a community that epitomizes the spirit of perseverance and self-sufficiency–Sitio Macaingalan. This remote village has become a model of sustainable agricultural methods, producing nutritious food for its inhabitants.
Residents of Sitio Macaingalan have maintained a substantial connection to the land for generations. Their agricultural way of life provided them with food and promoted a sense of community solidarity.
Fernan A. Bejerano, 22, a young farmer, Sangguniang Kabataan (S.K.) secretary, emergency first responder, and volunteer of the Philippine Red Cross, focused on developing his family’s farmland. His family’s ancestry goes back to the bloodline of the indigenous people of Aklan.
“In grade 12, I had a strong desire to help the community and formed an association of farmers to preserve our culture and traditions. I pursued to become a simple farmer, inheriting my parents’ methods and skills to build my life’s dream and aspirations to help the community,” Bejerano said.
Today he has his farm where he grows crops like banana, calamansi, sour orange, pomelo, coconut, and santol fruit trees. He also grows taro and sweet potato and raises livestock like chickens, ducks, rabbits, and fish.
“During my younger years, I didn’t ask for allowance when I went to school. I just went to our farm and got what was available there. We never had a problem with food. Nature will always provide.” Bejerano added.
Despite Bejerano’s age, he co-founded the community’s primary cooperative, the Multicultural Minorities Farmers Association Inc. It aims to unite and become a model community of farmers that can contribute to the country’s food security and help develop new farming methods. Recently, their association shared their farmlands with other locals in Rizal so that the community could produce more agricultural products.
The community’s unwavering dedication to sustainability is a driving reason behind this land allocation. Farmers in Sitio Macaingalan have reduced their dependency on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides by embracing organic agricultural practices, promoting healthier produce and a cleaner environment.
Their community cultivated crops from rice and vegetables to fruits and herbs because of the good soil, adequate water supplies, and agreeable weather. This agricultural tapestry offers a complete meal for the locals and contributes to preserving traditional farming methods passed down through generations.
The agricultural products of the community are bananas, coconut, root crops such as taro, sweet potato, gingers, turmeric, other vegetables, and some upland rice, which is usually the staple food of the people in the community.
However, the community also faces some challenges. The residents of Sitio Macaingalan have confronted issues ranging from unpredictable weather patterns to limited access to different resources and fundamental healthcare because of undeveloped roads. The agricultural products often do not reach the market because of accessibility issues, resulting in a surplus in their harvest.
Bejerano’s vision for his community was high and complex. More than his goal for agricultural development, he was also one of the pioneer residents to become an emergency first responder since he wanted his community to access primary healthcare.
As of now, their association is planning to have a raffle for some motorcycles and small vehicles. It was a part of their aim to fundraise for a multi-purpose terrain-capable ambulance, which could also serve as an accessible clinic and not just an emergency vehicle for the locals.
“There is a big chance of progress in agriculture because it is the main food source for the people. The country’s future depends on the farmers because, without farmers, the people also have no food,” he said.
Bejerano also wanted to promote agriculture tourism. He understands that their place is naturally beautiful, and having an accessible road is the key to boosting their local tourism industry. Their association even planned to have an integrated resort to their farms.
Residents have a revitalized sense of pride in their agricultural heritage. Younger generations are avidly engaged in the rehabilitation of traditional farming systems, bridging the gap between historical wisdom and innovation. This intergenerational collaboration protects their ancestors’ past and advances their community toward a future in which sustainable agriculture is a foundation of strength.
“Development depends on the citizens’ efforts and the local government’s support to those in real need. By repairing the road, farmers will not have difficulty in selling their products, and through agri-tourism, the level of livelihood of local farmers will increase, and the community will develop more.” Bejerano said.
The members of this close-knit town have established a path that honors their roots while embracing the possibilities of tomorrow. It demonstrates that even the smallest town can inspire greatness in the agriculture industry with dedication and solidarity.
