For 44 years, Joel Sanchez has called Sitio Burog home. As president of Katutubong Burog Indigenous People Agriculture Cooperative, he has seen the challenges that his community faces, especially when it comes to accessing food.
“Halos isang buong araw ang ginugugol namin para lang makakuha ng gulay.” Joel shared. “Malayo kasi ang kailangang lakarin para makakuha.
Things began to change when the Roots to Shoots (RTS) program was introduced. With the support of Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Bloomberry Foundation Inc. (BCFI), a community garden was established on land generously shared by its owner. This became a vital food source for the residents.
“Marunong na kami dati magtanim,” Joel said. “Pero dahil sa Roots to Shoots, natutunan namin kung paano gawin nang tama at maayos.”
Though they had prior farming knowledge, the program helped enhance their techniques through hands-on training and proper guidance. The garden now serves not only as a source of food but also of pride and empowerment for the community.
Joel’s dream is to improve the quality of life for his fellow residents. One of their most pressing concerns is sustainable livelihood. With the help of RTS, they received livestock and were trained in animal husbandry and small-scale entrepreneurship.
“Malaki ang pasasalamat namin sa PSFI at Bloomberry Foundation Inc. sa pagbibigay sa amin ng panimula sa kabuhayan,” he said. “Nagpapasalamat din kami sa Municipality of Bamban at Department of Agriculture na siyang nagpakilala ng RTS sa amin.”
Before the program was implemented, the residents were consulted about the specific challenges they faced. For Joel, that made all the difference.
“Sa simula pa lang, tinanong na kami kung ano ang mga problema namin. Para sa akin, ang programang ito ang sagot.”
As he looks ahead, Joel hopes that other underserved communities can benefit from the same support they received.
“Sana marami pang ganitong programa na ilulunsad sa iba’t ibang komunidad, hindi lang sa amin,” he said, extending his thanks to PSFI, BCFI, Manila Water Foundation, and Clark Development Corporation.
In Sitio Burog, the seeds of hope have been planted. With the community’s hard work and the support of dedicated partners, those seeds are now growing into lasting change.
