Wazzup Pilipinas!?
Padre Burgos, Quezon — June 10, 2025
In a powerful show of unity, more than 50 leaders and representatives from 15 organizations gathered in the heart of Padre Burgos, Quezon, to ignite a transformative movement across the agricultural and fisheries sectors of the Bondoc Peninsula (BonPen). This high-impact stakeholders' meeting brought together voices from Padre Burgos, Agdangan, and Unisan — three municipalities bound by the shared goal of uplifting their farmers and fisherfolk through sustainable development and empowered governance.
Convened by the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF), the forum served as a catalyst for coordinated action to fortify value chains in coconut, rice, vegetables, and fisheries. It also served as a landmark step in aligning local agricultural priorities with the broader legislative frameworks of their respective LGUs.
Attendees included municipal agriculturists, development officers, and prominent representatives from key national agencies — Landbank, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), PhilMech, the Quezon Federation and Union of Cooperatives, and a diverse array of local cooperatives and associations. Each one brought to the table insights, strategies, and resources aimed at revolutionizing food production and economic opportunity in the region.
A Shared Vision for Agricultural Transformation
Throughout the day-long summit, municipal agriculturists showcased current programs focused on modernizing agriculture and aquaculture — from enhancing access to funding, upgrading post-harvest technology, and expanding market connectivity, to introducing innovations that boost productivity and income for grassroots producers.
“This initiative is part of our collective vision to improve the lives of farmers and fisherfolk in Quezon,” said PEF Deputy Executive Director Cauchie Garcia, underscoring the spirit of partnership that fueled the gathering. “We also hope to gather best practices and share them across communities — not only in BonPen but eventually throughout the country.”
The long-term goal? To impact the lives of at least 12,000 farmers and fisherfolk over the next five years — a mission powered by collaboration, capacity-building, and a strong sense of bayanihan.
People's Councils: Building Power from the Ground Up
Among the most promising outcomes of the gathering was the proposal to establish local councils of people’s organizations and cooperatives in each of the three municipalities. These councils are envisioned as engines of participatory governance — driving community-led planning, policy engagement, and coordinated resource mobilization at the grassroots level.
Local government representatives offered resounding support for the plan, citing its direct alignment with DILG Memorandum Circular 2021-054, which calls on LGUs to institutionalize CSO Desks and People’s Councils to deepen civic participation in local governance.
“It’s about giving power back to the people,” one LGU official noted. “When our farmers and fisherfolk sit at the decision-making table, real change happens.”
A Model for the Nation
As the BonPen region charts a bold new path forward, the momentum generated from this historic gathering is expected to ripple far beyond its shores. Through ongoing consultations, inclusive planning, and shared accountability, the blueprint being laid down in Padre Burgos, Agdangan, and Unisan may very well serve as a model for rural transformation across the Philippines.
In a time when food security, climate resilience, and inclusive growth are national imperatives, this multi-sectoral alliance in BonPen offers a compelling testament to what can be achieved when government, civil society, and communities work hand in hand.
The seeds of transformation have been planted — and with collective effort, the harvest of hope and prosperity is well within reach.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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