Quezon farm communities raise concerns amid San Isidro feast

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Coconut farmers gather in a plantation in Quezon province to air concerns over low copra prices, delayed government s...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Coconut farmers gather in a plantation in Quezon province to air concerns over low copra prices, delayed government support, and continuing hardships in the agriculture sector. (Katarungan-Kilusan para sa Repormang Agraryo at Katarungan Panlipunan)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Agricultural communities in Quezon province marked the feast of San Isidro Labrador on May 15 while raising concerns over hardships in the sector. Several rural communities said rising production costs and changing weather conditions continue affecting livelihoods across the province.

Danny Carranza, secretary general of Kilusan Para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo at Katarungang Panlipunan (Katarungan), said agricultural workers continue facing hardships today. He said small growers remain vulnerable because of limited government support and unstable farm income.



“Farmers continue to face challenges due to the slow delivery of government programs, while far-flung communities remain underserved. Farmers, much like the carabao associated with agricultural labor, continue working despite limitations that hamper their progress,” Carranza said.

The concerns raised by rural groups also reached discussions in the Senate regarding the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund. Reports showed billions of pesos intended for coconut producers remain unused despite continuing problems in farming communities.

Coconut producers across Quezon province continue struggling with low copra prices and growing debt in rural communities. Villages are also dealing with losses caused by extreme weather and changing climate conditions recently.

Carranza also called for stronger support programs for coconut producers facing economic and environmental problems in Quezon province. He said billions of pesos intended for the coconut industry should directly benefit rural communities nationwide today.

“As we honor the spirit of San Isidro Labrador and the resilience symbolized by the carabao, we reaffirm that farmers deserve support. Coconut farmers continue struggling with debt, low farmgate copra prices, and worsening impacts of climate change,” Carranza said.

Some residents in Quezon also expressed disappointment over the stronger focus on tourism activities during local festivals recently. Several communities instead held simple religious gatherings and prayers during the feast celebration this week.

Access to government assistance and support programs remains difficult in several parts of Quezon province. Documentary requirements and distance from government offices remain major challenges in remote towns.

Every May 15, several towns in Quezon province hold harvest festivals honoring the patron saint of agriculture workers. Among them are the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban and the Agawan Festival in Sariaya town.