Alternative livelihood when mining stops

April 28, 2018 Ikit ng Bayan Opinion

Benguet province is known for mineral and agricultural industry. However, there will come a time that definitely all of these mining companies will stop operation somehow in the future. And so what is now the alternative livelihood we could offer for the people of Benguet?

Governor Crescencio Pacalso said that Benguet is also known for its highland vegetable where we can continue to plant high value crops in which we will be more competitive on ASEAN Market. He specify the unique alternative now of using this abandoned old tunnel of a mining company to donate it to the community that they may plant mushroom for livelihood project to be funded now by the municipality or provincial agriculture office if possible. Somehow, Benguet has a large area which is ideal for livestock and poultry also. However, Pacalso also added that people of Benguet shall not limit their selves on agriculture alone but also try to learn wood carving, weaving, gong making and engaging themselves on scholarship offered by TESDA to learn welding, baking, hair styling, pedicure, manicure and etc.

Chief Operation Officer Violeta Salda of BAPTC said that the main purpose now of having the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading facility is to continue to educate the farmers and traders on the new trend on competitive good agriculture practice. Anyway, the government’s main purpose of building the facility is to improve the knowledge and lifestyle of farmers.

Meanwhile, agriculture is not just the main alternative livelihood income of Benguet but also tourism. Farm to market road and agri-tourism road both in partnership from the office of Department of Agriculture and Department of Tourism is a big help to boost the livelihood sector of Benguet Province when it comes to tourism development with its easy access now of road, it is easy now for tourist to visit and explore the beauty of nature that Benguet Province can offer to the public. People of Benguet, hear us out as we have good conversation with our Honourable Father of Benguet starting on May 2018 “Adivay ed Benguet” a Radio Program to update you of the projects and achievements of the province together with the different officials of this office.

In Bible, Psalm 1:3 King James Version (KJV) “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bring forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” This is yours truly, Tita Ara Katter, your iKit ng Bayan 10am to 1pm, and so always keep in mind “Ti Panagkaykaysa, Mangiwanwan iti Naranyag nga Pagsayaatan”.