Jocelyn O.

Guevarra August 24, 2016

AGR 270

Relate Filipino War Culture, Post World War 2 in the context of macro intention of
sustainable/ecological agriculture.

In the summary of talk delivered by Nick Perlas as documented by Dr. Pamela Fernandez some 10
years ago (1996), Nick echoed the effects of World War 2 in the culture of Filipino. After the war,
one of the greatest impact of it is Philippine’s dependence on America being the hero in the
attained freedom in the hands of Japan and other colonizing countries of the Philippines.

Since then, Philippines was never the same again….. as it opened its doors to the US who is the
leader of globalization, Filipinos way of living has changed from simple to extravagant ones.
Filipinos mentality of “imported” brands in terms of foods, clothing, etc has brought downfall to its
economy. This is because many Filipinos no longer patronize Filipino products and produce….and
this does not hold true for industry, technology, etc. alone …..but even in agriculture!

To be able to sustain Filipinos with food, we rely on fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals
introduced by foreign countries…. without considering its negative impacts on human health and
environmental safety….. all just for the higher yield it will give which translate into higher income!

With this dilemma we are facing right now, many advocacies have been undertaken by leading
private sector, individuals, and institutions to find ways and solutions on how to shift the
understanding of Filipinos on the idea of sustainable/ecological agriculture.

Sustainable/Ecological agriculture has noble purpose not just for the people, environment…. but
for the whole earth in general if just practiced and advocated at heart. Sustainable/ ecological
agriculture has 7 focal points that revolved in finding solutions to our 1) ecology which is faster by
faster is degrading, 2) economy by giving ways for it to become viable and not just dependent on
subsidy/donors from other countries, 3) social justice where each individual is empowered with
knowledge and will to live in equality, humaneness….4) methods in farming that are culturally
appropriate for Filipino people and the Philippine environment…. 5) that which are grounded on
holistic science, taking into consideration every aspect of the interrelationship of the
environment….. 6) technologically appropriate for Philippine culture….. all for the 7) full
development of human potential!

Filipinos are/have to be re-awaken not just intellectually, emotionally, physically but also spiritually
to be able to become a vessel of change…… not just for the present generation but in the future
generation of mankind. We have to be brave now or to be forever coward or slave under the
wings of suppressive country (i.e. America) and industry (Seed Industry, Chemical companies, etc).