The Rural Workers Association of San Rafael (RWASR) based in Bulusan, Sorsogon, which runs Nasipit Eco-Agri Farm, has a simple message for their fellow Filipinos: “There is no problem we cannot overcome, so long as we continue to work together. Let us find inspiration in problems. God will not let us down, let us continue to trust in Him.”
The community-led organization has launched a backyard farming program to ensure sustainable food supply by providing vegetable seeds to families in the area.
The group has distributed cucumber, okra and kangkong seeds, which may be harvested within one month to three months after planting. RWASR also continues to care for its community garden to ensure that fresh produce is available to the residents of Bulusan.
Alona Galvez, secretary of RWASR, said in the vernacular: “It is better to have something in addition to what the LGU [local government unit] is giving. They are helping so many families; at the very least we will have a source of food and will not go hungry.”
RWASR president Lea Forgalidad said that the organization continues to draw inspiration from the late Gina Lopez: “Thank you to Ma’am Gina Lopez. She continues to serve as our light, guiding us towards our dreams.”
The Nasipit Eco-Agri Farm of RWASR is a joint project of ABS-CBN Foundation Inc., the municipality of Bulusan and the Aggrupation of Advocates for Environmental Protection (Agap) Bulusan Inc.
