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• Editor's Take: Emphasizing the Lessons from the Past
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Editor's Take

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The Philippines suffered greatly during the World War II. The war laid waste the country’s economy, destroyed what little public infrastructure had been built, and traumatized a generation. Those who have lived through that terrible time will acknowledge how their families pulled through the famine thanks to the humble root crops like camote (sweet potato).

Root crops contribute to the diverse livelihood systems of poor upland communities; accounting to 65% of total agriculture land use. Rather than feel insulted when advised to “go home and plant camote,” the enterprising urban Filipino should see a window of opportunity in growing sweet potato, the symbol of fortitude and determination.

Given the growing difficulties in the supply of grain, we might consider other options when we load up on carbs. Camote, cassava, taro and yam should provide us with a diverse selection. The growth in demand for these crops should promise better incomes in the rural economy.

A rice shortage should not bother us if we are able to collect and bring to market delicious substitutes that root crops provide. Meanwhile, this expected grain crisis should allow people to transform cultural habits by exploring tasty alternatives to rice and get entrepreneurs thinking up viable solutions, pointing the road to food self-sufficiency and a fair deal for the common tao.

This space does not seek to trivialize the threat of a rice shortage. What we seek to do is emphasize the lessons from the past—that only the people can depend on themselves. And since the powers that be have not lived up to their promises, it can only be right to say that the people should take their fate into their own hands. Then we shall have our rice, our sweet potatoes and all the good things that our long suffering people deserve.

PS: Let me quote, Her excellency, Madame Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's words in her speech during the Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, 2003, "In their memory and in honor of those among who continued to live among us, let us all work together and harder than ever to win the battle against terrorism, to win the battle against poverty, to win the struggle for democracy, independence and freedom."

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