The Grower Special Issue

TheGrower

‘RESPONSIBLE, NOT ANOTHER RESPONSIBILITY’

growing Frustrations

DavNor IP farmer calls for intensified agri-programs

Jenny Rose Canturna

Amember of Indigenous People (IP) demanded strengthened agricultural government support for tribal members of the municipality of Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, emphasizing that this is a ‘big’ deal, since farming, their primary source of income, is at stake.

In an interview on Tuesday, August 5, Angel Gamiao Mundez, a descendant of the Ilokano Mandaya tribe and owner of a one-hectare rice field, expressed disappointment with the government after it failed to provide sufficient aid.

“Sa tinood lang, kining atong panggobyerno, wala gyuy ayo. Naglisod ang tanan tawo. Barato ang pagpalit sa humay, mahal ang inputs, mahal tanan” Mundez said.

Furthermore, the IP farmer noted that even with assistance, it is still not enough.

Falling Short

Mundez further blamed ‘corrupt’ officials why the situation getting worse than it already was.

“Ang mga tao nga naa sa gobyerno kasagaran imbes mo tabang, mubulsa man tawon sa kwarta sa katawhan. Muhatag man gali ang gobyerno sa Philippine Crop Insurance corporation (PCIC), gamay ra. Asa man nimo makita ang tabang sa gobyerno—diba, wala? Wala, gamay lang,” Mundez asserted.

Heavy Burden

According to the IP farmer, the 20-peso-per-kilo rice program under

INDIGENOUS PRIDE. IP kids perform a traditional tribal dance to emphasize the importance of their tribe’s customs during IP Day on Monday, Aug 5, in line with the 66th Araw ng Santo Tomas celebration.

Photo by Nayeli Ramos

Farmers condemn PBBM’s P20/kg rice goal amid struggle with low harvest prices

Matthew Paner and Winonah Reyes

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Municipal Agriculturist: It’s too late

It is expected that the supply of rice will significantly increase because this is the full blast of the harvest

-Elmer Degorio, Municipal Agriculturist Officer

Santo Tomas Municipal Agriculturist Officer (MAO) Elmer Degorio asserted that the 60-day suspension of imported rice is untimely, as importers already took advantage of the period before the ban on September 1.

According to Degorio, the banning of imported rice will be no use as they expected the supply of rice to significantly increase due to the full blast harvest this last week of August.

“If the banning on importation is on September 1, it means that almost all importers have already imported by then. By September 1, it is expected that the supply of rice will significantly increase because this is the full blast of the harvest. So, if the banning happens on September 1, it will be too late.” Degorio said.

Meanwhile, in an interview during Farmer’s Day, Peronilo Sumaria, a rice farmer emphasized that while

crops remain low, the cost of fertilizers and plant medicines are expensive, adding that land preparation for one-hectare costs P10,000.

“Maglisud gyud mi kay barato ang presyo unya mahal ang abono ug medisina. Huna-hunaon nimo, magpatanom karon ang isa ka hektarya, ang bayad sa patanom pakyaw, 10,000. Perting louya namo maguuma ug mag ingon ana,” Sumaria added.

The banning of imported rice is intended to provide support to local farmers who have been severely impacted by the declining prices of palay during the ongoing harvest season.

ocal farmers of Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s P20 per kilo rice goal as several continued to struggle with low harvest prices and high costs of fertilizers.

“Perting louya jud namo mga mag-uuma ug mag barato ang harvest. Ang isa ka hektarya, pinakadako diha kay 80 ra man ang sako. Unya mag gasto pa sa abono, upat ka sako plus medisina plus semilya, perting louya gyud,” Peronilo Sumaria, a rice farmer in Santo Tomas said.

Furthermore, Sumaria expressed disappointments over rice importation in the Philippines, emphasizing that it would be better if imported rice are not allowed in the country, because it is the reason why the prices of palay remain cheaper.

“Mas gwapo gyud ug dili pasudlon ang ilahang produkto, kung sa akoa lang. Kay imbis na mo mahal ang presyo sa atoang bugas, barato nuon kay naa may ilaha. Maglisud gyud mi kay barato ang presyo unya mahal ang abono ug medisina,” he added.

Meanwhile, Municipality Agriculturist Officer (MAO) Elemer Degorio asserted that compared to last year, the initiatives of the government have not changed for the better, ‘worsening’ even, intensifying the burden farmers carry on their shoulders everyday.

Elmer Degorio says the 60-day rice import ban starting September 1 will barely help farmers as imports have already entered the market. |

Tribal leader slams IP scholar cut, urges PBBM to uphold scholarship program

Brianna Gantuanco

Kagan Tribal Leader Datu Camarugbin expressed disapproval over the removal of Indigenous People (IP) scholars after President BongBong Marcos (PBBM’s) decision to cut down the budget, limiting educational opportunities for IPs.

According to Camarugbin, the scholarships should continue, so that indigenous people have support for their education and the expense it comes with.

“Ipadayon nalang nato to kay para atong kabatanunan na IP ma encourage sila,” Camarugbin said.

Furthermore, he asked to continue the educational aid as it will be a great loss for the IP youth who are in need of support by the government and them.

“Ang among pangayaon ra ana nga i-continue nalang to, dili undangon kay kami makaluluoy, sa amoa ra gyud kay para sa mga kabataang IP kailangan ug suporta gikan sa amo ug sa gobyerno,” he said.

Camarugbin added that it is painful, as several continue to suffer with a ‘no read, no write’ educational background.

Meanwhile, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-Davao’s P15 million budget cut has hit indigenous services, prompting the central office to shift the status of current grantees.

Preserving cultural identity

3 out of 10

136

6 out of 10

expecting mothers are married municipality’s teenage pregnancy cases teenage pregnancy cases last year

pregnant women who are in live-in arrangement attended the Buntis Congress

219

‘RESPONSIBLE, NOT ANOTHER RESPONSIBILITY’

Local health execs push for sexEd, family planning on community

As the adolescent pregnancies continue to soar high, Santo Tomas municipal health-care providers called for Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) implementation and family planning.

In an interview, Municipal Health Officer (MHO) Dr. June P. Lim clarified while sex education remained a controversial and sensitive issue among Filipinos, learning it is a necessity to curb teen pregnancies cases.

“Dapat gyud naa tay knowledge about sex education. Kini siya dili ni siya, sa uban man gud taboo kaayo siya na issue, pero sa tan-aw nako sa ingani na age, need ninyo og bisan gamay na knowledge about ani,” Lim said.

Lim cited official health records, revealing the municipality’s teen pregnancy cases already reached 136 cases, 12% more than half of the 219 cases all throughout last year.

The municipal doctor explained that while data only show a slight

increase, its implications are big in the community— at least one child from teen mothers in Santo Tomas was born every two days, concluded from last year’s data alone.

Ripple effect

According to the United Nations Population Fund Agency - Philippines (sexual and reproductive health agency), teenage pregnancy carries intensified dangers to health, affecting both mother and child.

The agency also called it a ripple effect, citing adolescent childbearing as the main reason for limited educational attainment and job opportunities.

‘Princess,’ a 14-year-old expecting mother from Brgy. Tibal-og, Santo Tomas confirmed this situation,

Tribal inspired designs boosted in festival ramp

Rhyza Ruiz & Reu Mancao

Bolstering cultural identity, the municipality of Santo Tomas highlighted tribal inspired fashion designs of the locality’s known IP communities in the Gaani Festival Ramp on August 4, 2025.

According to Dorina Fararo Ararao, municipal tourism officer, the event aimed to showcase the different indigenous materials, agricultural products, and culture the municipality can offer.

“It is to highlight our indigenous materials, particularly the agricultural products that we have, and our culture with the two tribes we have considered as ancestral domain title holders: Ata Manubo and Ata Paquibato,” Fararao stated.

The tourism officer further emphasized the goal to make the show an opportunity for local designers to promote their works and gain recognition.

“So that people outside of Santo Tomas would know that we have very talented local designers that they can always tap in their shows, if they want attire or dress on special occasions then they know where to call and can hire Santo Tomas local designers for that,” she added.

Moreover, the winning designer, Carl Benedict D. Pamposa revealed the inspiration behind his pieces while emphasizing the impact of it on the locality’s identity and culture.

“Santo Tomas is abundant in crops like bananas and rice. Through it, we can make it our pride just like Amy Dela Peña, whose creations have reached other places, representing the fashion industry while promoting our very own locality and culture,” Pamaso stated.

claiming that she was forced to halt her studies due to her circumstances.

Family planning, urged

Moreover, according to The Grower’s survey among pregnant women attending the Buntis Congress (Congress for pregnant women), only 3 out of 10 expecting mothers are married, 6 out of 10 are live-in-partners, and 1 out of 10 are separated.

Participants revealed that due to financial problems brought by the unplanned child, they have no choice but to cohabitate, several shared they remain repeating the cycle, bringing hardship to lives of both parents and infant.

“ Many drivers, especially minors, still continue to operate vehicles without acquiring the proper requirements. This remains a stagnant concern to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte (STDDN).

Editorial Staff

News Writers

Jenny Canturna

Rhyza Ruiz

Winonah Reyes

Brianna Gantuangco

Francen Postrano

Reu Mancao

Matthew Paner

Opinion Writer

Dione Wong

Feature Writers

Quesiah Remolino

Catherine Jude Royo

Yvony Maghari

Sophia Lacorte

Nicole Lubguban

Layout Artists

Gian Carlo Bernaldez

Monique Sacare

Kristar Luchia Vicente

Photojournalists

Nayeli Ramos

Rizza Palabrica

Illustrator

Shakira Bartolome

School Paper Advisers

Ryan Poliran

Bernadeth Clarin

Consultant

Dr. Armando M. Olmedo

Principal IV

Upholding disCipline

Government programs are designed to serve the people, yet they often expose the very gaps they aim to fix. During the recent LTO Caravan in Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, long-standing transportation issues resurfaced — from the prevalence of unregistered vehicles to the lack of traffic discipline and proper regulation. Aside from simply delivering services, the event revealed the urgent need for sustainable and enforceable transport reforms in the province.

The Municipality of Sto. Tomas aspires for an enhanced road law enforcement — movements from the government to address the pressing issue of incidence rate of drivers without licenses, the seldom use of helmets, and the renewal of motorcycle and car registration. Yet, many drivers, especially minors, still continue to operate vehicles without acquiring the proper requirements. This remains a stagnant concern to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte (STDDN).

With this, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) launched the e-Patrol on Wheels, also known as the LTO Bus, at the STDDN Municipal Teen Center, aiding locals to comply with licensing requirements more efficiently. This initiative highlights the proactive efforts of local authorities — specifically the LTO — in addressing the pressing transportation issues in the municipality.

Marco S. Teofilo, the OfficerIn-Charge of the LTO e-Patrol on

Tilling Change

Farming has always been the beating heart of rural communities, yet it remains one of the most neglected sectors in our province. The recent outcry from Angel Gamiao Mundez, an Ilokano Mandaya farmer from Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, reflects a frustration I have long witnessed — one born from the widening gap between government promises and the reality farmers face. As someone who has seen fields wither not only from drought but also from indifference, I believe it’s time to face the uncomfortable truth: our farmers are working themselves into poverty. For many Indigenous People in Davao del Norte, agriculture is not just livelihood — it is culture, identity, and survival. Yet the math has become painfully unfair: the cost of seeds, fertilizer, and fuel climbs steadily while palay prices remain low. Programs like the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) and Kadiwa ng Pangulo should have been lifelines, but for most, they feel like short-term relief with strings attached. Initiatives such as the 20-peso-per-kilo

Wheels, emphasized the vital role of enforcing Student Permits (SP) for underaged drivers without licenses. He also reinforced the additional need to apply for a Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) for drivers to legally drive without being accompanied by a licensed driver.

Despite this movement, the low participation in initiatives aimed during the progress raises distress to the local community. It appears that the locals of STDDN are not well-driven to advance for change. Although disappointment surrounds this idea, we cannot also deny that the transmission of the information was non-driven — overhearding a father who missed this two-day opportunity.

While these campaigns continue to empower local communities, the recent tragedy from Pagadian City is a fruit no one expected but nobody was also surprised. It calls for the constant failures of authorities to strengthen their efforts against minors driving without a license, as well as the drivers who remain

negligent to these reinforcements. Every crash, every loss, every close call is a reminder that inaction is a choice — and so is change. The LTO, LGUs, and enforcement agencies must double their efforts to reach even the most remote barangays, ensuring that information and services are accessible to all. At the same time, residents must take responsibility — by securing the proper documents, practicing road safety, and setting an example for younger generations. Road safety is not solely the work of the government; it is a shared duty that demands active participation from every member of the community.

The case of Sto. Tomas proves that laws on paper mean nothing without the will to enforce them and the discipline to follow them. Progress will only take root when enforcement meets genuine community cooperation. Until then, the roads will remain not just pathways, but silent witnesses to a preventable cycle of risk.

“ I believe it’s time to face the uncomfortable truth: our farmers are working themselves into poverty.

rice program, though promising on paper, often exclude those outside strict eligibility lists, proving how flawed targeting can turn well-meaning policies into exclusionary systems.

This gap between policy and reality is also evident in the rice tariffication law. As Municipal Agriculturist Officer Elmer Degorio pointed out, its provision to halt rice importation before harvest season could have supported farmers — if only it were enforced. Instead, imports still flood the market just as local harvests arrive, pushing prices down. While tariff proceeds fund mechanization, seeds, and training under the Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund, these benefits are undermined when market protection comes too late. Such misalignment shows that support on paper means little without strategic timing and strong regulation.

The challenges extend beyond the farm. Education for IP youth is under threat, with 400 million slashed from the national IP scholarship budget and 15 million from Davao’s regional

allocation this year. I have seen young people in our province aspire to be teachers, agronomists, and engineers — only to abandon their dreams when tuition became unaffordable. Denying education to these communities doesn’t just delay progress; it entrenches generational poverty. Investing in their learning is not an expense but a safeguard for the country’s agricultural future.

We cannot keep asking farmers to feed us while allowing them to go hungry. Strengthening agricultural support is not charity — it is justice. Direct subsidies to small farmers, accessible crop insurance, transparent fund use, and less restrictive program requirements can make real change. At the same time, restoring education budgets for rural youth will ensure that the seeds of progress are planted for the next generation. Until we match our words with decisive action, the furrows in our farmers’ fields will only deepen — not with seeds of hope, but with the cracks of neglect.

Honoring the mastery of Tomasino crafts, the Gaani Festival is celebrated yearly in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, held in conjunction with the celebration of the town’s charter anniversary, Araw ng Santo Tomas. It showcases their rich cultural heritage and time-honored traditions, highlighted through various activities such as cultural performances, competitions, and local food display. It also reminds the importance of unity and discipline within the community.

“First time nako mag-apil sa motorcade. Lipay kaayo ko kay daghan kaayo niapil karon. Importante gyud nga moapil ta aron makita nato nga nagkahiusa ang tanan ug aron masuportahan pud nato ang atong lungsod. Ganahan kaayo ko sa nakita nako sa dalan, mga sakyanan nga naay balloons ug daghang tawo. Maka-

TRACING TRADITIONS Charting Culture and Casting Vision

Catherine Royo & Quesiah Remolino

As the convoy rolled past the corners of Santo Tomas, each turn retraced the steps etched by generations. The early morning streets were already alive with the rumble of engines, the flutter of banners, and bright colored balloons adorning the vehicles. Long before sunrise, the town was already wide awake, ready to witness the motorcade and opening salvo of the Gaani Festival that officially marked the prelude to a week of activities for the 66th Araw ng Santo Tomas.

returning to the starting point.

As the last vehicles disappeared into the distance and the echoes of engines faded, the streets of Sto. Tomas were left humming with the warmth of shared pride. The Gaani Festival motorcade was more than just a parade, but also a moving portrait of unity, culture, and joy.

proud kaayo nga taga diri ta ug makita nato nga enjoy atong selebrasyon,” Kenneth A. Benitez, a 26 year-old tricycle driver, shared his experiences.

Caravan of Kinship

The celebration opened with a motorcade led by Mayor Roland S. Dejesica, Vice Mayor Luz, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, and joined by the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection, government offices, schools, civic groups, and local businesses. Also in attendance were pedicab drivers and single motorcycle riders. The route began at the Municipal Park and Playground, passed through Sto. Tomas National High School, Nafco Elementary School, and Davao Winchester College, with the final turn at Feeder Road #5 before

They once said she was different. Her skin, her language, her heritage— marking her as someone distinct—every part of her marked her as someone who did not quite belong, at least not in the eyes of those who decided where belonging began and ended. Decades ago, the past was harsher

sa Araw ng Santo Tomas kay gusto nato nga makita sa katawhan sa lain-laing lugar kung unsa na ang Santo Tomas karon, ug unsa na kita kung ikumpara sa kaniadto,” Dejesica declared with conviction in his speech.

In every honk, wave, and fluttering balloon, the town’s pulse could be felt, reminding Tomasinos the importance of possessing the spirit of togetherness.

Colors in Motion

Tak! Tak! Tak! The beat of indigenous drums signaled the start of the program. It began with a lively introduction dance, where performers were clad in traditional wear. A countdown followed, leading to the ceremonial ribbon cutting, met with cheers from the excited audience who gathered to witness the beginning of the event. The atmosphere was further heightened when the Mayor officially opened the program by pounding the gong.

“Hinay-hinay, makita na nato ang dako kaayong kabag-ohan. Busa, nagapasalamat ko sa atong department heads sa inyong kanunay nga pagsuporta. Ato ning gihimong bongga ang selebrasyon

EXILED AT HOME

RewRitten in Ati ColoRs

Sophia Lacorte & Jhoanna Lubguban

still. For the Ati, life meant constant movement—pushed from their ancestral lands by settlers with pens and promises, traders, and later, developers. Work was scarce, and respect even scarcer.

Oging Camacho remembers that feeling well. At just ten years old, she left school—not because she wanted to, but because her family could no longer afford to keep her there. Marriage came soon after, not as a dream fulfilled, but as another survival choice. Like many Ati children, her dreams didn’t fade by themselves—they were interrupted.

Unwelcomed in Haven Today, the world likes to call itself modern. Progressive. More aware. But for the Ati, the change is slower, quieter, and often invisible. On paper, Republic Act 8371—the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act—declares equality. But paper cannot stop the way a room’s mood shifts when

an Ati steps inside.

The prejudice is often subtle, but it cuts just as deep. Tourists point their cameras, eager to capture an image, but rarely pause to hear a story. Job rejections arrive before the first question is asked, as if a surname or skin tone already answers everything.

In festivals and celebrations, the Ati’s presence is both invited and kept apart. They are part of the performance, but not the heart of the gathering. They are in the photographs, but not in the friendships. They are visible, yet unseen—like shadows that the light refuses to fully touch.

Roots of Tomorrow

Still, there are glimmers. Oging’s children now walk to school in clean uniforms, their hands gripping books she never had the chance to hold. She and her husband work every day—often more than one job at a time—to make sure

The mayor also emphasized the importance of continued support and unity within the community. Along with his call for cooperation, he urged the people to refrain from engaging in negative conversations on social media, reminding them that such actions only bring harm to the town’s image and progress. Instead, he encouraged the public to be responsible and uplifting in their words, especially when representing the place they call home.

In Santo Tomas, home is not just a place. From the early morning motorcade to the symbolic pounding of the gong, every moment pulsed with pride among the townspeople. What began as a parade of engines and balloons became a reflection of how far the town has come and how much it values where it began. As the 66th Araw ng Santo Tomas unfolds, the stories carved by familiar streets live on not only in tradition, but in the people who proudly carry them forward.

those books stay in their children’s hands. Each school day they complete is not just a step forward for the family—it is a step forward for the whole tribe.

Oging dreams of a time when “Ati” is not met with pity or fascination, but with respect. The future of the Ati will depend on more than policies and laws. It will require something deeper: a change in hearts. It will mean people learning to listen before judging, to invite instead of observe, to see the Ati not as spectacles or stories, but as neighbors and equals. And so they strive. They keep their language alive, their traditions breathing, their hope intact. The road ahead is long, yet the Ati have never been strangers to endurance. In their hearts, they carry a certainty the world has yet to fully see, painting the next chapter of their tribe’s story, each stroke rewritten in Ati colors. Bold. Unshaken. Unfading.