The integrated outlook in Agro-Envi-Cultural Development is a brilliant and creative approach of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur leadership and advocates. Bold and daring move. Knowing the limited resources, to tap and mobilize beyond the reach should be done. And that's what happened.
Environment and Cultural tourism that eventually opened Sibagat to the global community provides access roads for the farming communities in the interior barangays. And services in the advocacy for organic farming have been smoothly delivered. The thinking that each is interconnected is necessary and that is what's happening today and to happen in the coming days. A holistic outlook to bring progress to the constituency while ensuring biodiversity is an important development for the municipality.
Tourism has been rebranded in town. It is not to make profit out of the treasures but to campaign for Sibagat's cultures, hidden natural bounties and wonders and revitalize its economic base - agriculture with an O (Organic Agriculture). Economic boost without jeopardizing natural wealth.
To promote, advocate and turn Organic Agriculture as flagship program and Municipal development framework is indeed daring. Why? Because it is unpopular. But, this is to sustain people's lives and the natural resources that the municipality has. Actually, it is only an actual implementation of the State policy to protect environment, promote the well-being of the citizens and so on. Though in the mainstream, it's a counter flow.
The commitments then of the Department of Agriculture thru the National Organic Agriculture Program during the 3rd Organic Agriculture Congress last January 29-30, 2024 is a booster for the farming community and the whole Sibagat local economy, an addition to the implementable and on-going projects committed by other national agencies and provincial and regional offices. Sustaining the fruits of the seeds planted three or five years ago or even long before for the Sibagatnons.
The lens? Sustainable Development.
Sustainable Development as defined by the United Nations emphasized a development that meet the needs of today without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their needs. It is not exploitation and extraction but restorative and or regenerative.
Mobilizing the mass population and inviting communities to organize and contribute to the strategic goal is also a sound element or aspect in sustainable development. Efforts and programs must empower people, it must allow people.to freely form groups and contribute. Spaces for democratic discourses must be provided. Recommendations and criticisms must be heated and considered positively. Self-criticism is also a constructive and developmental tool for local.leaders and organizations.
Sustainable means able to sustain.
Let us offer prayers to the communities devastated by the flooding and landslides Mindanao (Davao region and Agusan). May they surpass the challenges and overcome. By any means let us lend them our hands.
Indeed, humans and earth need healing. Urgently!
Bagat Notes
February 6, 2024
Photo: #4 entry of Kahugpungan sa Kababayen-an alang sa Kalambuan for the 22nd BAGAT Festival Gakit Parade and eventually won the first prize.
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