At the start of the electoral campaign, I faced the problem of lack of resources and challenges on how to produce enough posters and tarpaulins to spread all over the country.
Hindi basta-basta ang gastos sa tarpaulins considering that a regular sized tarps would cost about P30.
Ang Ibig sabihin nyan, kung magpapagawa ako ng 1-million tarpaulins, P30-M ang kailangan, an amount which I cannot afford.
At that time, however, I was growing Giant Bamboo propagules in my nursery as part of my income-generation projects in my farm.
I was actually encouraged by Giant Bamboo champions Myrna Decipulo, Rod Bioco, Bob Tinsay and Roger Navarro with whose help we were able to organize the Mindanao Bamboo Development Council.
I also propagated Hass Avocado and Abuyog Sweet Langka seedlings which I sold to other farmers.
When I noticed a growing interest in the Giant Bamboo, I decided to use it as part of my campaign strategy and also to promote my advocacy for Green Philippines.
By the end of this campaign period, I estimate that I would have distributed 600,000 Giant Bamboo propagules all over the country, except the remote areas that I could no longer reach.
In Tarlac yesterday, where I, Presidential Candidate Ping Lacson and Vice Presidential Candidate Tito Sotto held a caucus at the Tarlac State University Gym, people called me “Senador Kawayan.”
I love the branding and the monicker.
At least, whatever the results of the elections would be – win or lose – I would be leaving behind a legacy – the green Giant Bamboos growing in all parts of the country.
Bulok na at basura na ang mga political posters and tarpaulins at maaring makakalimutan na ang pangalan ng mga kandidato, pero siguradong maalala pa ng mga tao si “Senador Kawayan.”
More Stories
Cotabato Eyes Huge ‘Halal’ Meat Demand
Let’s Lift Up The Poor, Help Them Grow Instead Of Turning Them Into Mendicants & Robbing Them Of Human Dignity!
Practical Farming: Turn Used Plastic Containers Into Life-Time Laying Nests!