There's this famous Filipino saying, "Magtanim ay di biro." This truth emphasizes the challenges in farming or even in fishing. Success in the field requires not only physical strength but also the sharpness of the mind, making farming not as easy as others may think.
In modern times, the difficulties faced by our farmers due to the weakening agriculture sector are keenly felt. The country relies on importing essential needs, especially rice. The government's assistance to farmers is also insufficient.
For the ordinary citizens who rely on local farmers for their staple food, they feel the heaviness of the current situation. It's a significant consolation to know that there is a private organization willing to help our farmers, known as Lingap LEADS Foundation Incorporated. It is a non-profit organization headquartered in Calauan, Laguna, helping our farmers not just in agriculture but also in uplifting their well-being through medical services and education. The families of these farmers also benefit from different programs and collaborations made by the institution.
In 2023, the foundation's efforts reached 5 regions, 9 cities, and 3,000 patients. They collaborated with the National Tobacco Administration in Vigan for a medical mission intended for hardworking tobacco farmers. They also established a collaboration with the Red Cross Laguna chapter to conduct medical services, primarily for underserved areas in the province.
Lingap LEADS is not only focused on helping our unsung heroes, our farmers. They also make sure to highlight education by giving scholarships to deserving family members of the farmers. The foundation also established a football club to support children in both urban and rural areas. Over 41 children were given the opportunity to showcase their skill in the said sport.
During the launch of the foundation's Harvesting Reverence Campaign, Radyo CSR's Max Ventura highlighted the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility, which is about doing good while doing well. He explained that companies should not only be about money, as that is not sustainable, and they should not give back without profitable efforts. At Lingap LEADS, while the company is doing good, they are also doing well. Proof of this is the recent production of their new rice variant called Jackpot. This rice is now getting noticed for its good quality, and the company is hopeful that it will soon reach a larger market around the country.
I empathize with the hardships our farmers are currently facing. I believe that with the support of foundations that genuinely care for them, such as LINGAP LEADS, they will somehow feel that they are not alone in their struggles. As a consumer, I also commit to supporting them by purchasing locally produced rice and other harvests.