Farming is the primary livelihood of residents in Barangay Malico in the town of San Nicolas, Pangasinan.
Efren starts his day early at his kechay and strawberry farm to clear out weeds.
He has four children, one of whom is already in college.
Their only source of income is through vegetable farming to support their children’s education.
“The rain is stronger than the wind,” said Efren Ducusin, indigenous resident.
Kagawad Dendo started planting chayote while still in high school.
This has also become the livelihood of his family.
So, the children in the barangay, instead of toys, are asking for farming equipment this Christmas, like shovels, raincoats, and boots, but not for themselves, rather for their parents who are farmers.
There is only one agriculture technician in Barangay Malico whom residents consult about the condition of their crops.
Frederick hopes to establish a community nursery in the barangay, but currently, there is no funding for it.
It is estimated to cost around sixty thousand pesos to set it up.
“That way, they will have a secure source of seedlings. It would be better if there were centralized nurseries for our growers so that even during typhoon season, they would have a place to plant,” said Frederick Langpaoen, Agriculture Technician.
To make these dreams a reality, a program is offered by the provincial government.
This is the Christmas Lighting with a Purpose project, which aims to conduct a donation drive.
Here, the aid received will be distributed to residents in need, especially those from Barangay Malico.
By: Valerie Dismaya