No-Tillage Farming In Cotabato Highlands

On Saturday, June 1, I was in the mountain village of Lampaki, Kimarayag, Pigcawayan, Cotabato to introduce Sorghum and Soybeans farming.
It was my second visit to the village, the first was 23 years ago when I was Governor of Cotabato.
I spent one night in that village in 2001 sleeping in a tent after the inauguration of the first ever farm to market road which linked them to the town proper.
When I returned on Saturday, I saw that the dirt road which was built in 2001 had been paved with concrete.
However, poverty was still evident as the farmers had not adopted modern farming technology.
The soil analysis conducted by our technicians last Saturday showed very low N-P-K with a neutral pH.
This was the reason why their Corn yield was very low.
When Sorghum and Soybeans Rotational Farming was introduced to them, the farmers readily accepted the project.
Empahasizing that both crops could be planted through No-Tillage System and that there is a ready market with a guaranteed buying price made them hopeful that their lives would finally improve.
Even after 23 years, I have not forgotten my commitment to them that I would find ways to lift them up from poverty.
#KungGustoMaramingParaan!
(Photos of the farmers’ forum taken by my son, Bernhart Immanuel.)