REMARKABLE INNOVATION OF RED CROSS BACOLOD CHAPTER SHOULD BE REPLICATED NATIONWIDE

REMARKABLE INNOVATION OF RED CROSS BACOLOD CHAPTER SHOULD BE REPLICATED NATIONWIDE

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has always been known for disaster response, emergency relief, blood donations and other humanitarian services. But the PRC Negros Occidental–Bacolod City Chapter is showing us that humanitarian work can go beyond its traditional boundaries.

Two initiatives deserve nationwide attention: rainwater collection tanks for public schools in Sagay City and a community-based agricultural mechanization project called Pandayan ng Bayan.

The rainwater project addresses a growing problem: water shortages caused by changing weather patterns, droughts and El Niño. Schools are excellent starting points. Children need safe drinking water, and successful installations could encourage other schools, including private institutions, to follow.

Eventually, why not connect these tanks to appropriate drip-irrigation systems serving nearby demonstration farms? With proper water-quality safeguards, storage capacity and engineering, one project could support both school water needs and local food production.

The second initiative is equally interesting. Pandayan ng Bayan helps farmer organizations repair, modify and fabricate agricultural tools and machinery. The concept was developed through the involvement of Central Philippines State University (CPSU), RU Foundry and Machinery, Inc. (RUFMI), and farmer organizations.

In my discussions with Mr. Ramon Uy Sr. of RUFMI., he explained a familiar problem: government agencies and local governments sometimes provide farm machinery to farmers, but when equipment breaks down and replacement parts are unavailable or unaffordable, useful machines are abandoned.

Why should a broken machine become junk when local farmers could learn to repair it?

By providing appropriate tools and technical training, Pandayan ng Bayan can help farmer groups become more self-reliant. What begins as a simple workshop could eventually develop into a community machine shop and, where economically feasible, a small foundry. That is grassroots industrialization!

The project has received support from the Department of Science and Technology Region VI through its Community Empowerment through Science and Technology program. The Sagay City government, led by Mayor Leo Rafael “Bebo” M. Cueva, and CPSU, led by Dr. Aladino C. Moraca, are also important partners.

To me, these initiatives demonstrate how government agencies, local governments, state universities, private companies and NGOs can work together. They can contribute to food security, livelihood creation, climate resilience and rural development.

I therefore suggested to PRC Secretary General Atty. Inky Reyes that these projects be considered for replication nationwide. He responded that he would raise the proposal with the PRC Board. PRC Chairman and former Senator Dick Gordon also welcomed the idea and noted that rainwater tanks had already been installed in some PRC social-housing projects.

My suggestion is simple: let us identify suitable pilot communities, document the results, and develop a practical program that other chapters can adopt.

The Department of Agriculture could help identify farmer organizations. DOST could provide technical assistance. DENR could contribute watershed and environmental expertise. LGUs could provide local support, while private companies could supply equipment and training.

Why stop at water tanks and farm machinery? Other chapters could also expand community CPR training, blood-donation services and preventive health education according to local needs.

If the Philippine Red Cross can help communities prepare not only for disasters but also for everyday challenges, why not replicate these innovations nationwide?

Sometimes, national progress begins with something as simple as a water tank, a set of tools and people willing to work together.

RAMON IKE V. SENERES

www.facebook.com/ike.seneres  iseneres@yahoo.com  senseneres.blogspot.com  09088877282/09-21-2027

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