By: Romeo L. Lagahit, former Regional Director, Presidential Commission on the Urban Poor-XI
“Farm and rural life, if provided with land to till and agricultural production support would not only sustain the healthy food needs of the family but also provide income.”
“Balik Probinsya” has failed. Really? We may know of policy intentions, executive and legislative provisions included in several Executive Orders and some legislations in the past.
Past presidents, Cabinet Secretaries, and Program Directors have also expressed the ideas of living in the farms and rural areas to decongest the cities and urban centers. But translating these policies and ideas into localized programs and project remains to be seen.
Nevertheless, the lure of the City Life is too strong for farm dwellers and their children, not to dream of living in the cities. The United Nations has even predicted then that by year 2000, more than half of the world’s population would be living in cities and urban centers.
Name the most populated cities and they are mostly in Third World Countries. Millions are now living in Calcutta and Mumbai, India, and in the Philippines in the cities of Metro Manila.
Policy makers and planners are one in making cities livable. But they could hardly find a solution to our urban poor dwellers in slum areas and congested sites. Tons of garbage alone and dense pollution are making our cities unlivable.
While cities are providing the needed services, supermarkets, food chains, entertainment and social amenities, City Life is far from the ideals of living peacefully and of enjoying nature. Farm and rural life, if provided with land to till and agricultural production support would not only sustain the healthy food needs of the family but also provide income.
Now, the coronavirus disease-2019 (Covid-19) pandemic is changing the scenario. With so much death all over the world and millions infected with the virus, life will never be the same. Governments have resorted to lockdowns, quarantines, distancing, wearing of mask, disinfection, and frequent handwashing, and whatever desperate measures there is.
While this may be temporary, the projection is that Covid-19 and the threat of infection is here to stay for months, if not for years to come.
Life in the province and in the farms may stall the chances of getting infected compared to densely populated cities. The health system then will not be drained. There is joy in being back with nature, strengthening family and human relationships, and building sustainable communities.
For some and perhaps for many Filipino families, “Balik Probinsya” could be the best option, if not an alternative to the dreary life in the city. Not even counting the retiring Baby Boomers and aging Senior Citizens who want to enjoy the best of life: Being back to Nature!
