Why not convert mountainsides into farms?

With this letter, I hope to bring a proposal to the attention of President Aquino, the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Agriculture, for their consideration.

Practically every province in our country is blessed with mountains. These are a whole class of natural resources that we have not utilized to the max. In fact, many mountains have been or are being used as “grant” to legal loggers, but it’s not uncommon that illegal loggers turn out to be the main beneficiaries of such grants. And to think that we can make use of the mountains for the benefit of the poor, the unemployed and the discontented, including rebel-returnees.

In this context, I suggest that we convert the sides and portions of our mountains into fruit, vegetable or rice farms. The DPWH will spearhead the development of these lands for the purpose.

If necessary, let’s cut or transfer some of the trees. It wouldn’t be difficult for the DPWH to do this. Its provincial offices, after all, do not have much work to do. Yes, they repair damaged roads and bridges but, beyond that, they merely supervise public works contracts entered into by the government.

This project should be funded by Malacañang and, if necessary, the DPWH should be allowed to employ more workers to complete its structural development.

The project will not cost so much as to impoverish the government. After the farmlands are developed, it should be the DA’s turn to distribute them to poor families and individuals planning to seek greener fields, so to speak, in urban centers, or to rebel-returnees.

I once went to Albay and I observed in a certain town that a family can survive and send their children to college with a 3-hectare farm. The DA will help the farmers source their capital and select the kind of fruits, vegetables or rice to plant. It should also help the farmers market their harvests.

We often proclaim our desire to help the poor and reduce unemployment. Perhaps through this project we will be able to realize, even if only partially, this dream.

—VAL R. CRUZ,

retired judge, Caloocan City