SIGNAGE. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson (3rd from left) and former governor Rafael Coscolluela (right), the provincial consultant for energy and environment affairs, lead the unveiling of the "Galing Pook" signage at the lobby of the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City on Wednesday (Feb. 9, 2022). The Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Area Management Alliance with its entry titled "Network of Alliances for Coastal Wetlands Conservation" was one of the Top 10 winners in the "2021 Galing Pook Awards", which recognizes innovative practices by local government units.(Photo courtesy of PIO Negros Occidental) BACOLOD CITY - Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has underscored anew the need to protect the province's natural resources in the face of the challenges brought by climate change and environmental degradation. Lacson emphasized this during the unveiling of the signage of the "2021 Galing Pook" award received by the
Historically, as countries have industrialized, the number of small farms has dwindled, with workers opting for city life. But the Philippines government is concerned that this trend could exacerbate food insecurity in an import-dependent country already struggling to meet current food demand.
“The average age of the Filipino farmer is 57. Assuming an average life span of 70, we might reach a critical [shortage] of farmers in just 15 years,” said Asterio Saliot, director of the Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI).
“The average level of education of a farmer is grade five only,” he added.
According to Saliot, farmers’ age and limited education make them less receptive to new farming technologies that can boost yields in the face of growing losses from volatile weather.