In
the city of Oroquieta, the stench of poverty was inescapable.
Thirty-three barangays were suffering through prolonged
economic depression with no end in sight.
Banking
on the Filipino values of “Bayanihan” (or “pahina”
in the local dialect) and the spirit of volunteerism, the
local government unit of Oroquieta City launched the Barangay
Self-Sufficiency Program (BSSP). The program aimed to transform
Oroquieta City into a major provider of surplus agricultural
produce, thus converting its barangays into self-sufficient
units.
The
key program stakeholders identified the essential components
of this initiative and set about implementing them. These
are 1) the acquisition of agricultural land to be owned
and cultivated by barangay residents, 2) the lease of privately
owned agricultural land, 3) massive tree planting, 4) cultivation
of fruit trees and cash crops, 5) dispersal of chicks and
piglets, 6) shoreline mangrove reforestation, 7) values
education, 8) and bayanihan spirit and grassroots entrepreneurship.
Profits were shared among the barangay government and its
resident cultivators. The barangay government claimed 20%
for its revolving capital, while 80% was divided among the
cultivators. Some barangays expanded their planting area
by buying more land or renting from private landowners who
took 10% from the proceeds in lieu of a rent fee.
After
four years of implementation, significant changes were apparent.
Barangay government beneficiaries (BGB) were earning an
income of P27,000 each. This came primarily from the sale
of cash crops. In eight years, sales from short term crops,
timber and fruit trees is expected to amount to P3 million.
Economic gains aside, the barangays also experienced real
social improvements. The agro-forestry program of BSSP changed
the landscape and seascape of Oroquieta, making it the greenest
and cleanest city of the country. The people, young and
adult alike, took pride in promoting the well-being of their
surroundings. The main river Lawayan which passes through
the heart of the city’s urban center, continued to
sustain fresh-water fishes and attract residents and tourists
for recreational swimming.
According
to its proponents, the strength of the program lied with
the active participation of the residents in various barangay
activities, down to the purok level. Additional income was
put to good use, assisting educational attainment, provision
of health services, revival of community sports activities,
and the founding of barangay cooperative stores and a barangay
bank.
Initially,
hesitancy and aversion towards government-sponsored projects
prevailed among city residents. Now, the pride and enthusiasm
felt by each resident for BSSP, his local government and
fellow community residents is palpable. BSSP freed its residents
from financial shackles and realized the city’s dream
of becoming an agricultural partner of the Cagayan-Iligan
Growth Corridor.
