PEACESCAPES: A View from Bud Bongao: “Reclaiming Respect for Our Farmers and Fisherfolk”

ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews / 12 Jan) — As 2025 begins, I find myself reflecting on a powerful realization from last year—a realization I feel compelled to share with you. I understand that discussions about the vital role of agriculture and fisheries in the Philippine economy are not new. However, I hope this perspective offers a fresh lens, particularly focusing on the immense potential and urgent needs of the Mindanao and Sulu Archipelago.

This isn’t just another article highlighting the economic contributions of these sectors. It’s a call to acknowledge the inherent strength of this region and the individuals who fuel its prosperity. It’s about exposing the exploitation of these resources, often for the benefit of corrupt politicians driven by self-interest. It’s time we recognize that fishing and farming are not just “occupations” – they are professional trades fundamental to the well-being of our nation. We must eradicate the societal bias that devalues these hard-working individuals and foster a culture of genuine appreciation. This is my goal – to spark a fundamental reevaluation of these professions.

My recent experience climbing Bud Bongao in Tawi-Tawi, of the Sulu Archipelago, provided a powerful backdrop to this realization. Reaching the summit, 342 meters above sea level, was breathtaking. Before our ascent, we stopped at a local bakery, grabbing loaves of bread as gifts for the native monkeys, who, sadly, were without their usual banana treat that day. These monkeys, a charming testament to the region’s natural beauty, greeted us with their typical playful curiosity, highlighting the unique connection between nature and the local communities. 

This experience, however, also underscored a stark reality: the vulnerability of the resources and people connected to this environment. The beautiful panorama of the archipelago was juxtaposed with the knowledge of the challenges facing local fisherfolk and farmers. 

We urgently need stronger policies to protect and prioritize these communities. We cannot stand idly by while foreign fishing vessels encroach upon our municipal waters, depriving local fisherfolk of their livelihoods and depleting the resources they rely upon. Strict regulations are vital to ensure the sustainability of the archipelago’s resources and the livelihoods they support. It’s not just about controlling foreign vessels but empowering our local communities to manage their ancestral waters responsibly and profitably.

I’m not writing this as a detached observer. I write as someone with skin in the game, as a proud son of a farmer and a fisherman. I’ve witnessed firsthand the tireless dedication and backbreaking labor in these professions. I’ve seen our people’s struggles, uncertainties, and resilience. We must move beyond outdated stereotypes and recognize the vital contributions and deep knowledge embedded in these traditional trades.

It’s time to shift the societal perception. We must acknowledge our farmers and fisherfolk’s profound impact on our national wealth and food security. We must foster a system that values and supports the people whose efforts feed our nation and sustain our economy. We need policies that empower them, protect their livelihoods, and ensure their right to a fair share of the wealth they generate.

I hope this article sheds some light for policymakers and readers, especially the children of professional fishermen and farmers like me. We are not just the sons and daughters of simple workers; we are the next generation – and we are proud to be the children of those who work the land and the sea. Let us build a future that truly values the hard work and dedication that sustains us all.

Immediate Recommendations:

Based on the key points raised, here are some immediate recommendations:

1. Enforce Existing Maritime Laws: Implement stricter policing and patrols to ensure that foreign fishing vessels are not operating illegally in Philippine municipal waters. This requires robust monitoring technology and sufficient resources for enforcement agencies.

• Support Local Fisherfolk: Provide financial and technical assistance to local fishermen, including access to modernized equipment, training programs, and micro-financing options to sustain and grow their businesses.

• Invest in Sustainable Agriculture: Implement programs to support sustainable farming practices, providing farmers with resources to improve yields, diversify crops, and utilize eco-friendly techniques.

• Promote Consumer Awareness: Launch campaigns to educate the public about the value of locally sourced fish and produce, encouraging consumers to support local farmers and fishermen.

• Strengthen Regulations: Formulate policies that prioritize the well-being of local communities dependent on agriculture and fisheries, ensuring fair prices for their produce and catch, and protecting them from unfair market practices.

• Challenge Societal Bias: Develop educational programs highlighting the importance and skill involved in farming and fishing, aiming to shift negative stereotypes, starting in schools.

The wealth and beauty of the Mindanao and Sulu Archipelago are invaluable. But we must recognize that its greatest strength lies in the hands of the farmers and fishermen who work tirelessly to provide for our nation. Let’s work together to ensure they receive the recognition, support, and protection they rightfully deserve.

*********

The concept of “PeaceScapes” urges us to look beyond our immediate interests and embrace a holistic view of our interconnectedness. It seeks to highlight an inclusive definition of peace in the Philippine context. Peace is contested by multiple meanings, which may stem from social and cultural contexts. Peace can suddenly disappear, even in places where peace is a longstanding norm. We, as people, have explored various aspects of peace, such as what it is and what it should be, as well as the different factors influencing the chances of achieving it.

[MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Maudi Maadil (aka Algazelus) is a human rights advocate, humanitarian, and community development worker with over 14 years of experience in various projects and programs related to peace, security, and stability. He founded ProVolve Skills Bridge Inc., a 2024 Western Union Foundation Fellowship fellow powered by the Watson Institute, and an alumnus of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy.  Email address: algazelusthesis@gmail.com]