Those who donated the free vegetables are being celebrated as good samaritans and heroes, as they should be. Giving away free farm produce is a commendable gesture to the community.
However, it once again highlights a couple of chronic problems that Benguet farmers have been facing for so long. One, smuggled vegetables from outside the country that buyera often prefer because these are cheaper. And two, Benguet farmers are at the mercy of the market and they have no cushion when prices go very, very low. They often have no other choice but to give away their goods or dump them on the side of the road.
The farmers who gave away these sacks of carrots and radishes did a great thing. Kudos to them.
But this shouldn't be happening at all if there's any fairness in the system. It should not come to a point where farmers have to give away the products of their hard labor.
Maybe, not only is this a "good samaritan" gesture, maybe it's also a cry for help. For the people in power to notice them and their problems. For the people in power to help them find solutions to these problems.
Let's hope these people in power are listening, watching, reading...
[Photo source: Baguio City Public Information Office; Rheamae Dumo ]
