November 22, 2023
Sowing Seeds of Change: Tzu Chi’s Banana Planting Project Uplifts Indigenous Peoples in Davao
By Ben Baquilod
One year after the initiation of Tzu Chi Davao's banana planting livelihood project, the Ata Manobo farmers are reaping the rewards of their hard work and dedication.
"I am not the only one experiencing joy here. All the families who have planted banana trees are happy too," says Eric Parcon, who, along with fellow farmers, harvested banana bunches on November 17 in Sitio Napisulan, Purok 14, Brgy. Sto Niño, Talaingod, Davao del Norte. Tzu Chi volunteers from Davao and Manila joined them, promptly purchasing their harvests and providing them with immediate earnings.
Just a year ago, this scenario seemed like an unattainable dream for 29-year-old father of three, Eric Parcon, and the rest of the Ata Manobo farmers. Before Tzu Chi introduced the project in January 2022, where they planted at least 2,500 seedlings in a 52-hectare land in their barangay, Eric relied solely on planting corn and abaca. These crops took 4 months and 12 months, respectively, to harvest. Selling them at low prices, they could only manage around Php 10,000 for corn and Php 8,000 for abaca.
This equated to a total income of Php 38,000 per year, or approximately Php 3,000 per month.
"It's truly insufficient," remarks Armando Dusonan Jr., Eric’s brother-in-law and a fellow farmer. The meager income from their harvests every 4 months only allowed them to buy rice from a market six hours away from their Sitio. After a brief week of enjoying meals with rice, a luxury to them, they would revert to their customary routine of eating only once a day, mostly relying on cassava.
Food wasn't the only challenge in their community. Living in a remote rural area, they faced difficulties in accessing electricity, information, and medical care.
"Whenever our children fell ill, we couldn't afford a trip to the hospital due to financial constraints," says Armando. "Our earnings weren't even enough to meet our daily needs."
Since August 2023, a transformation has taken place for Armando, Eric, and their community. The banana seedlings planted 19 months ago have borne fruit, providing them with a consistent harvest and income every two weeks. What's even more promising is that banana trees continuously produce new fruit, eliminating the months of waiting.
Thus far, their banana produce has doubled their previous monthly income, now amounting to Php 6,000, with expectations of further increases in the coming months.
"I have witnessed the improvement in their lives over the past year, and it genuinely warms my heart," says Ariel Garao, the volunteer-in-charge of the project. "What's beautiful about this project is its sustainability, as long as they continue to care for it."
"We've seen the joy the farmers have found, and I express my gratitude to all Tzu Chi volunteers for their assistance," says Tzu Chi Davao Officer-in-Charge Nelson Chua.
For Eric Parcon, the banana planting project has alleviated some of the challenges of their poverty-stricken life. "Before, we only ate once a day. But now, we can enjoy three meals a day with rice and viand," he shares. "We also get to savor our banana produce, and it's truly delicious!"
Fortunately, their community now has electricity, and Eric was able to purchase a TV, providing them with access to news and information, as well as a bit of entertainment. "After a tiring day, it's nice to watch TV with my family and unwind," he smiles. "My favorite show is Batang Quiapo."
Eric proudly mentions that he can now give some money to his child when asked for candy. "As a father, it pained me when I couldn't provide for my children. But now, even if it's just for candy, I feel so happy when I see my child happy," he says, teary-eyed.
With a steady income from banana harvests, Eric and Armando were able to acquire a motorcycle through monthly installments, improving transportation to the market where they sell and buy goods for their families.
"Previously, we would walk for 6 hours to reach the market. Now, it only takes us 30 minutes," says Armando, sighing in relief.
Armando can now provide an allowance to his young children for school. "Before, they would go to school with nothing. Now, I can give them 5 pesos, and they're ecstatic," he exclaims. "That makes me happy too."
Despite being a high school undergraduate, Armando holds one dream for his children — to receive a good education and lead better lives in the future. "I will continue to plant bananas for them to finish school," he affirms.
Eric Parcon (leftmost), Armando Dusonan Jr. (rightmost), and Armando Dusonan Jr.'s father (center) pose for a shot with their banana harvest. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
"I am not the only one experiencing joy here. All the families who have planted banana trees are happy too," says Eric Parcon, who, along with fellow farmers, harvested banana bunches on November 17 in Sitio Napisulan, Purok 14, Brgy. Sto Niño, Talaingod, Davao del Norte. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Eric Parcon with his wife and three children. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
"Before, we only ate once a day. But now, we can enjoy three meals a day with rice and viand," Eric Parcon says. "We also get to savor our banana produce, and it's truly delicious!" 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Through the reliable earnings generated by banana harvesting, Eric secured a motorcycle via monthly installments, enhancing transportation to the market for buying and selling goods that benefit his family. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
The Ata Manobo farmers excitedly transport their banana harvest by crossing a river on foot. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Since the commencement of the banana planting project in August 2023, Armando Dusonan Jr. (center) and his fellow farmers have seen their income double, with expectations of further increases in the coming months. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Armando Dusonan Jr. with his wife and two children. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Armando can now provide an allowance to his young children for school. "Before, they would go to school with nothing. Now, I can give them 5 pesos, and they're ecstatic," he exclaims. "That makes me happy too." 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
"I have witnessed the improvement in their lives over the past year, and it genuinely warms my heart," says Ariel Garao, the volunteer-in-charge of the project. "What's beautiful about this project is its sustainability, as long as they continue to care for it." 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Tzu Chi Davao Officer-in-Charge Nelson Chua leads volunteers in their visit to the banana planting site. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi volunteers trek down a slope on their way to the banana planting site. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi volunteers enjoy their stroll while crossing the river on their way to the banana planting site. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
A farmer assists a Tzu Chi volunteer in crossing the river on their journey to the banana planting site. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Aerial view of one of the banana planting sites in Sitio Napisulan, Talaingod, Davao del Norte. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Tzu Chi volunteers Woon Ng and Ang Mei Yuen share a Jing Si Aphorism translated into the local language with a farmer. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi volunteer Johnny Kwok helps carry a harvested bunch of bananas. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi volunteer Elvira Chua helps carry a harvested bunch of bananas. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi volunteer Ang Mei Yuen helps carry a harvested bunch of bananas. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi volunteers pause for a group shot after crossing a river. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi volunteers gather for a group photo alongside farmers proudly displaying their banana harvests. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi volunteers gather for a group photo alongside farmers proudly displaying their banana harvests. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Children of farmers eagerly line up for treats generously prepared by Tzu Chi volunteers. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
The joy is evident on the faces of farmers' children as they happily receive banana chips and other gifts from Tzu Chi volunteers. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
The farmers express their joy and gratitude as they receive shirts and other gifts from Tzu Chi volunteers. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
After a fruitful site visit and mission in Sitio Napisulan, Talaingod, Davao del Norte, volunteers gather for a celebratory group photo. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】