𝗟𝘂𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗸𝗼: 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗲𝘁𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆

In a peaceful farming community, Lupang Pangako, what continues to grow is their hope and resilience.

For Artemio Castillo, 67, a farmer and a community leader, Lupang Pangako is more than just a soil, it is a proof of determination. 

A leader of Aeta Belbel Multipurpose Cooperative, he has spent decades nurturing not only crops, but also a cooperative that helped change lives of the members and other members in the community.

The Seeds of Cooperative

Their journey began with uncertainty when the land could not be placed under any individual’s name, instead it should be named after an organization. This led to the establishment of Aeta Belbel Multipurpose Cooperative, involving 23 members, 22 men and 1 woman.

Castillo recalls having nothing when the seeds of the cooperative were beginning to grow. He recalls only having courage to keep the cooperative operating.

Throughout the years, the cooperative survived only with commitment and dedication. Their leaders worked voluntarily. They spent their own money to sustain their activities. They strengthened their network despite the lack of resources through connections with provincial and municipal offices and attending different training sessions.

In the present, Aeta Belbel Multipurpose Cooperative has over 100 members, residing in a 235-hectare land that now they call their home.

The Fruition of Lupang Pangako

Lupang Pangako, in many ways, indeed became one as Castillo recalls how it is being called “Lupang Pinangako” by other people. It is a land promised by World Vision, an organization that supported and built this area for the Aeta Community.

A community that was once dependent on upland rice farming, they have expanded into growing crops such as eggplants, string beans, cucumber, squash, chili, and watermelon.

Trying crops turned into a beneficial journey as Castillo recalls how the first batch of watermelon harvest earned around 40,000php. The next harvest reached around 100,000php.

Growth Through Conflicts

The success of the cooperative did not come easy. Conflicts within the cooperative tested leadership, especially when some members became inactive.

Suggestions to remove them were proposed but Castillo resisted as he deemed it unlawful as they might be sued if he considered this suggestion.

This conflict caused a temporary division as no one from the members wanted to give in  but eventually, they reconciled.

“Niloob naman ng Diyos na nagpakumbaba sila at pinuntahan nila ako,” he recalls.

For Castillo, that conflict was not a sign of failure but a symbol of growth. “Hindi bali nagkakaroon ng away… basta sa bandang huli, nagkakaisa kung ano yung tama.”

Transforming Perceptions of Farmers

Castillo acknowledges that there is a persevering challenge to farmers and that is not receiving enough appreciation in society.

“Kapag tinanong ka… parang nahihiya silang sabihin na magsasaka sila,” he says.

For him, being a farmer is nothing to be embarrassed about.

“Hindi ko ikinahihiya na maging magsasaka ako.”

The dedication of farmers is evident in their labor-intensive work, the long distances, harsh weather conditions, and even their calloused hands.

“Makikita mo yung kamay ko… parang pwet na ng unggoy dahil sa kalyo,” he says with a laugh.

Concealed in this humor is the reality that farmers help sustain lives. They are huge contributors to food security,

“Kung alam mo magsaka at may lupa ka, hindi ka magtatanim, hindi ka mabubuhay.”

This is a testament that farming is essential to health and food security.

The Fulfillment from Lupang Pangako

Lupang Pangako remains as a testament to the achievements through the efforts and determination of the whole cooperative. Now, this land is an agricultural community and a home to Aetas. It is a promised land that remains growing, adapting, and inspiring,

For Aeta Belbel Cooperative, Lupang Pangako is not just a name but it also represents the lives that it sustains, not only of the Aeta community but also the communities that their crops reach.

“Ito yung kapalaran namin… sa lupa kami nabubuhay.”

And in that simple reality is the resilience of Lupang Pangako, not just a land that was promised but also a land that was fulfilled with unity and resilience of the Aeta community, as well as the dignity of farming.

by: Merelyn T. Ramirez