From tradition to innovation: A journey to rebuild Siargao's coconut farms

SIARGAO, Philippines (ILO News) - Aljomae Moreno, a young woman from Del Carmen, Siargao Island, embodies the spirit of resilience and hope in her community. Inspired by her father, a dedicated farmer, Aljomae has always felt a connection to agriculture. Growing up in the countryside, she watched her father work tirelessly on the land, instilling in her the value of hard work and the importance of farming. This foundation motivates her to embrace modern agricultural practices, combining tradition with innovation.

Recently, Aljomae embarked on a significant journey by starting her first job after graduating from college. She joined the cash-for-work programme of the ILO's Rebuilding Better Coconut Economy project, funded by the Government of Japan. The project enrolled her in social protection for health and social security benefits. Additionally, she learned Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and developed skills in coconut culinary, enabling her to earn from non-traditional coconut products.

"I am happy to share that I am the first professional in our family, and this job is to give back to my parents," she explains, reflecting on her sense of duty to support her family. This opportunity allows her to apply the theories she learned at the university to real-world farming situations.

Workers in Siargao, including Aljomae (left) plant trees to support local communities and coconut farmers in rebuilding their livelihoods.

Participating in the project to rebuild coconut farms in Siargao, she finds immense joy in interacting with local farmers, learning their traditions, and understanding the cultural significance of their work. "What I enjoy the most in this project is how I interact with the farmers and communicate with them to learn their traditions," she shares. These interactions have been transformative, deepening her appreciation for the agricultural community.

"We want to provide employment with a purpose bigger than ourselves. This experience is unique, because as the years go by, young people involved in this project will always have something to come back to the coconut they planted and the farmers they helped," said Athena Banza, National Project Coordinator of the ILO Rebuilding Better Coconut Economy.

As a young farmer, Aljomae takes pride in listening to the sentiments of local farmers, especially regarding the impact of Super Typhoon Rai, locally known as Odette on their lives.

"I grew up spending my time on a farm and harvesting coconut or copra as our way of living," she recalls, acknowledging the hardships and challenges her community faces. The project she is involved in is not just about providing jobs but also aids farm owners who suffered significant losses due to the typhoon.

"This project is unique because it helps not only us looking for jobs but also farm owners affected by the typhoon," Aljomae emphasizes. For her, this initiative represents a way to restore hope and rebuild livelihoods for those who depend on agriculture.

Aljomae with her fellow worker register online for social protection coverage.

Grateful for her education, Aljomae feels a sense of responsibility to help her parents financially. "When I heard about this job, I didn't hesitate to apply. I knew it would help financially and teach me about the coconut industry of the island," she explains.

Looking ahead, Aljomae remains hopeful for the future. She envisions a time when local farmers in Siargao will reap the fruits of their labor, creating more job opportunities for her fellow Siargaonons. "In the coming years, the local farmers here in Siargao will harvest the fruit of their hard work," she asserts, emphasizing the collective effort needed for recovery.

"We are thankful to the people of Japan for funding the initiative, to the ILO for leading the project and partners from Lokal Lab and the Philippine Coconut Authority. Through their collective efforts, they are making a significant difference in the lives of farmers," Aljomae says, proud to be part of this transformative movement.

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