MANILA, Philippines -- One group that has stood the test of time is the Agri-Kapihan, a forum for farming enthusiasts that is open free to the public. Last Sunday, July 31, the 25th anniversary of this forum was celebrated jointly with the 11th anniversary of the radio program “Kaunlaran sa Agrikultura.”

The event was attended by some 400 farming aficionados who had come all the way from the provinces (as far away as Batac, Ilocos Norte) as well as in Metro Manila. The large attendance is enough proof that it is one activity that is benefiting a lot of farmers, otherwise why would they attend?

The celebration at the courtyard of radio station DWWW was graced by no less than Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala who gave the audience a clear view of his vision towards staple food sufficiency in the country. Which means that the population should not only depend on rice for their staple food. He cited a program backed by the Institute of Plant Breeding in Los Baños whereby white corn production is being pushed, especially in the Visayas and Mindanao where white corn is a favorite staple

Alcala said that white corn seeds for planting are being produced under a program spearheaded by experts of the IPB. Aside from seeds, the IPB has also developed an efficient corn mill that will process corn grits in the village level. White corn is even a more nutritious food than rice. It has a lower glycemic index so that it is good for diabetics. It is digested more slowly than rice, hence the consumer feels full in the stomach longer. Because it is digested more slowly, the sugar in the cereal is absorbed in smaller quantities in the blood than in the case of rice. Hence, it is better for those suffering from diabetes.

Rootcrops are another substitute or supplement to rice. Camote, for instance, is a healthy food. The roots as well as the leaves are packed with nutrients needed by the body.

How did the Agri-Kapihan start? It all started when we were offered to edit the Agriculture page of the Manila Times when it was revived in 1986 after the EDSA Revolt. We thought that if we were to edit a page that would easily relate to the farming community – especially those who are literate and who read newspapers, we should have a means to meet them. And one way of getting closer to the farmers and getting their stories is to come up with a venue where we could exchange views and experiences with them.

The Agri-Kapihan may be called a non-organization because there are no officers, only volunteers who would make the meetings possible. Since there are no officers, there are no elections. Which means that there are no squabbles about electioneering, vote-buying and the like. There are no fees to pay. So there are no funds to squander by the organizers.

In the earlier many years, there was a caterer who served breakfast which was not free. If the attendee wants to eat, he has to pay for his meal. There are no corporate sponsors for meals.That was adopted as a policy because that could otherwise be abused.

Resource persons consisted of some of the best speakers on agricultural topics, especially those who are actually farming. There is no talent fee for the speakers, but there are many talents who want to share their know-how and experiences without any compensation.

The topics that have been discussed the past 25 years have been wide-ranging. These include crops, farm animals, fisheries, farm management, fertilizers, pest and disease control in plants and livestock, natural farming, urban gardening, vermiculture and so on. You name the topic and most likely it has been discussed at the Agri-Kapihan.

At the Agri-Kapihan, the attendees are able to pick up new ideas and stories that inspire them to undertake their own farm projects.

The sessions used to be held every Saturday morning at the Manila Seedling Bank in Quezon City. The place was offered for free use by the MSB management which was beneficial to the company because the attendees were prospective buyers of the seedlings it has been selling.

There are two special occasions observed at the Agri-Kapihan. One is the anniversary celebration which was originally held on the Saturday nearest to August 2. Today, since Kaunlaran sa Agrikultura radio program has adopted Agri-Kapihan as its own project, the forum is held every last Sunday of the month. The other special occasion is Christmas celebration.

In both occasions, the practice is potluck style. Each attendee brings something to eat which could be shared with the other attendees. But there are those who bring more than others. Like last Sunday, Pio Rodriguez who sells tractors donated a whole cow lechon. Mario Rabang brought a native pig lechon while Sec. Alcala donated three pig lechons. There was an overflow of food.

Up to now attendees report the good news about their projects. Some have become agribusiness entrepreneurs because they have found the idea at the Agri-Kapihan. The AANI or Agri-Aqua Network International is a progeny of the Agri-Kapihan.

The founders of the AANI have observed that people are hungry for farming technologies. So it was organized by people who have become friends through the Agri- Kapihan. AANI has pioneered in conducting agricultural seminars which is continuing up to this day. It was also a pioneer in coming up with weekend markets, first with the Sidcor which used to be held at the the present site of Makro in Cubao, Quezon City.

AANI used to have its weekend market at the Magallanes Center in Makati and at the TESDA in Taguig. Its biggest weekend market is at the FTI with more than 200 stallholders. The latest is at the St. Vincent Seminary in Tandang Sora, Quezon City. All these and many, many more came about because of Agri-Kapihan.