The economy is down especially for the farmers of Benguet.
As the “Salad Bowl of the Philippines” due to its immense production of upland vegetables, it is not hard to imagine the disquietude of this COVID-19 crisis in their perishable produce. Thousands of farmers, in fact, are now being heavily affected.
With the lack of transportation systems and with the suspension of numerous festivals and events, this pandemic has definitely taken a toll on our local farmers.
Fully aware of the situation, Transforming President (TP) Guia Lopez de Leon of the Rotary Club of San Pedro South (RCSPS) has been ordering the rice for the club’s “Project: Bigas” and “Love in the time of Covid-19” through a friend that is directly connected to a local farmer in Nueva Ecija. Fortunately, another good friend of hers has a connection to some farmers in Benguet Province. Upon learning this, TP Guia immediately sought out for her help especially in the logistics on how to buy highland vegetables in bulk.
Even during their PESECTS 2020, this young leader of RCSPS has been telling the sustainability of this project to her Transforming Secretary Michelle Tapang. And so, when an opportunity opened up, she and the whole RCSPS team accepted the challenge to address yet another national issue.
RCSPS is encouraging everyone to support our local farmers while savoring the freshness of their products at a very affordable cost. The project entitled “Sa Bingit ng Benguet, may Pag-asa” officially started last April 19.
Trivia: April 19 is also the natal day of Attorney Paul Percy Harris. He founded the club that became the humanitarian organisation Rotary International in 1905.
Finally, a sustainable Community Pantry of vegetables and fruits has long been conceptualized by Serbisyong May Puso’s Founder Bernard Herrera, Alagang Kalusugan’s CEO Yhet Abelgas, Bayanihan Pilipinas Head Yna Aguilar, and TP Guia. However, their first few tries were not successful. Fortunately, on April 18, 2021, the team was able to address former issues.
And now that the ball (for Charity) is rolling, may all be able to keep it going. As put in by the millennials, this is #faithinhumanityrestored pantry. All thanks to the kindness and generosity of the community!
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