The PALAI Inc. Initiative: Advancing Organic Agriculture in South Cotabato
While the majority of farmers in South Cotabato struggle to transition to organic agriculture, a group of practitioners in the Municipality of Santo Niño have managed to thrive. This success comes despite the lukewarm support they initially received when they embarked on their organic farming journey in 1998. The Peoples Action for Liberation Agricultural Industry Inc. (PALAI Inc.) has emerged as a champion of organic agriculture not only in Santo Niño but throughout the SOCCSKSARGEN region. However, serving as an advocacy group presents its own unique set of challenges. “Identifying farmer groups that are engaged in sustainable agriculture is challenging. Adhering to its standards is equally demanding,” PALAI Inc. founding member Jethel Kapunan said. Organic agriculture was first introduced in Santo Niño when a non-governmental organization initiated a project for the local farmers. This project provided them with opportunities in the form of technical and financial assistance
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