Dear Readers,
Happy 2021!
The last year has been challenging for everyone. The Coronavirus brought the world to an almost standstill. In this Philippines, this was joined by, among other things, a host of natural disasters, including the eruption of Taal volcano in January and the annual passing of typhoons, from Ambo in May to Vicky in December. In no recent year has the prospect of uncertainty been so palpable to so many people. And yet, in the face of such adversities, there is no choice but to rise up and carry on in the best way one can.
Farmers, especially Filipino farmers, are no strangers to uncertainty. To work on the farm or in the garden requires being at the mercy of Mother Nature. One learns to secure their crops before a storm then survey the damage and start again after. When the COVID-19 pandemic made the delivery of supplies difficult, many people learned to grow their own food in a bid to stay food secure. When quarantine was enforced, still more people began growing ornamental plants, both for their beauty and the mental wellness cultivating them encouraged.
This issue celebrates getting through 2020. The cover story features a permaculture farm that also produces award-winning tablea. In the Second Chances section, get to know five individuals whose lives have been made better by their engagement in farming or gardening. There is also a story about a 4P recipient who used the money allocated to them by the government to start a now-thriving balut business. As usual, there are tips that can be easily applied to your own farm, garden, or agribusiness.
This year is similarly precarious, but also more optimistic. Vaccines are just beginning to be rolled out and more people are getting back on their feet. As we make our way in a world forever changed, we have to remember that despite all the uncertainty, one thing is for sure: the pandemic will end. And when it does, we will have a second chance to leave the world a better place. The future will depend on what we do with it.
Stay healthy, stay safe.