Ang Nagbabadyang Sakuna sa Minamahal Nating Magdalena

Isang Panganib sa Ating Bayan

“Ama namin, inyo pong hilumin ang aming buhay upang ma-protektahan namin ang mundo at hindi ito pagsamantalahan, upang maghasik ng kagandahan, hindi polusyon at pagkawasak.” Ito ay bahagi ng panalangin ng Santo Papa Francisco sa ensiklikal Laudato Si. Habang ang iilang sakim ay nabubulag sa bilyon-bilyong piso na maaaring kitain sa tambakan ng  basura, hindi papayag ang nakararaming Magdaleño na gawing basurahan ang ating mahal bayan. Marami ay mananampalataya sa panalangin ng Santo Papa. 

Ngunit isang matinding sakuna ang hinaharap ng ating bayan kung ipatupad ng Sangguniang Bayan (SB) ang kautusan nilang ipagamit ang lupang sakahan para sa komersyal na tambakan ng basura.  Ang iminungkahing tambakan ay nasa Brgy. Sabang na malapit sa Ilog Pagsanjan. Inaprubahan ito ng pito (7) sa siyam (9) na kaanib ng SB (at dalawa ay hindi naka-boto dahil absent). Tinutulan nito ni mayor, ngunit nagmatigas ang SB at patuloy ang pagpapatupad ng makakapinsalang resolusyon (Kautusang Bayan Blg. 7, T.2023)

Manganganib ang ating kapaligiran at kalusugan sa tambakan ng basura na ito. Sa kasalukuyan, ipinapadala ng Magdalena ang mga basura nito sa isang tambakan sa Brgy Alipit na bahagi ng malaking landfill ng Santa Cruz.. Ang bagong tambakan ng basura na ito ay itatayo naman sa Brgy. Sabang, malapit sa ilog at kabilang sa watershed ng Laguna de Bay. Ang iligal na quarrying na malapit dito ay nagpapakita na may environmental problema na sa lugar.

Napakahalaga ng Ilog Pagsanjan. Kilala ito sa ganda nito, nagbibigay ng kabuhayan, at sumusuporta sa mga hayop, kabilang ang maraming ibon. Dumadaloy ito sa Laguna de Bay, na polluted na. Ang ilog ay ginagamit para sa pagsasaka, industriya, at turismo. Ang isang maruming ilog ay makakasama sa mga ito.

May mga batas sa Pilipinas tungkol sa pamamahala ng basura, ngunit hindi tiyak na tinutugunan nito ang mga tambakan ng basura na malapit sa mga ilog. May mga patakaran tungkol sa kalapitan sa airport, mga pinagmumulan ng tubig, at mga fault line, ngunit hindi walang katiyakan ukol sa mga panganib sa mga ilog. Madalas na nagpoprotesta ang mga tao sa mga tambakan ng basura dahil sa mga alalahanin sa kapaligiran at kalusugan.

Isang pangunahing panganib ay ang leachate, isang likido na nabubuo kapag ang tubig-ulan ay tumatagos sa mga basura sa tambakan. Naglalaman ito ng mga mapaminsalang bakterya, virus, at heavy metals at iba pang mga pollutant. Maaaring makontamina ng leachate ang Ilog Pagsanjan, na magdulot ng mga sakit na dala ng tubig at iba pang mga problema sa kalusugan.

Ang tambakan ng basura ay nagdadala rin ng iba pang panganib: polusyon sa hangin (kabilang ang methane, isang greenhouse gas), pagkasira ng habitat, at kontaminasyon ng lupa.

Ang mga problemang ito ay maaaring humantong sa mga sakit na dala ng tubig, mga problema sa paghinga, pagkakalantad sa kemikal, at posibleng mga depekto sa kapanganakan. Ipinapakita ng mga research studies na ang mga taong nakatira malapit sa mga tambakan ng basura ay nag-uulat ng mas maraming problema sa kalusugan.

Kailangan natin ng mas mahusay na mga solusyon. Sa halip na isang tambakan ng basura, dapat tayong mag-isip ng iba pang mga paraan. Ang tambakan ng basura sa Magdalena ay isang seryosong panganib. Maaari itong magdulot ng polusyon sa Ilog Pagsanjan, makasakit sa kapaligiran, at mapanganib ang kalusugan ng publiko. Kailangan ng mas mahigpit na mga regulasyon. Ang pagprotekta sa ilog ay napakahalaga. Dapat itaguyod ng mga taga-Magdalena ang responsableng pamamahala ng basura upang protektahan ang kanilang bayan.

At sa mga kaanib ng Sangunian Bayan, siguro kailangan nila mag-level up sa kanilang tungkulin, at dapat alamin ang mga konsekwensya ng kanilang mga desisyon upang hindi mapagsupetsahan ng mga anomalyang intensyon, at maprotektahan ang mga mamamayan sa sakuna.

Mahalin natin lahat ang ating bayan, upang ang hardin ng Sta. Maria Magdalena ay manatiling maganda para sa kabuhayan at kalusugan ng lahat.

A Looming Threat to my Beloved Magdalena

 

Proposed Landfill in Magdalena, Laguna: A Looming Threat to the Environment and Public Health

By Richard Pronove Cavosora (with the assistance of Google Gemini)

Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. - Pope Francis, Laudato Si

While a rapacious few will see billions of pesos in trash, most Magdaleños will not want their town trashed despite the approval of its Sangguniang Bayan's (town council) rezoning of agricultural land to commercial for a "sanitary" landfill. The town mayor vetoed the effort but his veto was overriden.

Thus, my idyllic town of Magdalena, Laguna in the Philippines is facing a critical environmental challenge: a proposed landfill in Barangay Sabang, situated within a watershed area and less than a kilometer from the vital Pagsanjan River. Adding to the existing environmental concerns in the area, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recently arrested five individuals for conducting illegal quarrying operations in Barangay Balanac, further highlighting the need for responsible environmental management in Magdalena1. This article explores the potential environmental damage and public health threats that could arise if the landfill project proceeds.

Current Waste Management Practices in Magdalena

Before delving into the potential impacts of the proposed landfill, it's important to understand the existing waste management practices in Magdalena. The municipality currently operates a Central Transfer Station in Brgy. Ilayang Butong, where a municipal dump truck collects non-biodegradable wastes from barangays and school Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) for further sorting2. All residual waste is then transported to a sanitary landfill located in Brgy. Alipit, Sta. Cruz, Laguna2. The proposed landfill in Barangay Sabang would significantly alter this existing system and potentially introduce new environmental and health risks.

The Pagsanjan River: An Environmental Lifeline Under Threat

The Pagsanjan River, renowned for its stunning waterfalls and exhilarating rapids, is an integral part of the local ecosystem and community. Originating from the Sierra Madre mountains and flowing through Pagsanjan and Lumban before emptying into Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines, this river serves as a vital source of livelihood and recreation3.

The river's importance extends beyond its natural beauty. It supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including 24 different bird species, some of which are endemic or migratory5. The Pagsanjan-Lumban River Basin Management & Development Foundation actively works to conserve this crucial water resource, recognizing its role as the second largest of the 21 sub-basins feeding into Laguna de Bay3. Worryingly, the Pagsanjan River subwatershed is already a significant contributor to pollution loading in Laguna de Bay, making it even more vulnerable to further pollution from the proposed landfill3.

The river's clean waters are essential for agriculture, irrigation, and even industrial purposes3. The tourism industry in Pagsanjan also heavily relies on the river, with several hotels and resorts situated along its banks, offering visitors opportunities for recreation and enjoying the natural beauty of the area3. This economic dependence on the river's health creates a stark contrast with the potential economic consequences of pollution from the landfill. Businesses that rely on the river for tourism or agriculture could face significant losses if the water quality is compromised.

However, the proposed landfill poses a direct threat to this delicate balance, jeopardizing the river's ecological integrity and the well-being of the communities that depend on it.

Existing Regulations and Public Opposition

While the Philippines has regulations regarding waste management, including the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, there is no specific national policy addressing plastic pollution or landfill placement near water bodies6. This lack of specific regulations raises concerns about the adequacy of existing measures to protect sensitive environments like the Pagsanjan River watershed and increases the risk of contamination from the proposed landfill.

The existing regulations do outline some requirements for landfill siting, such as:

• Distance from airports: Landfills should not be located within 2 kilometers of an airport runway if they pose a bird hazard to aircraft7.

• Proximity to water supply intakes: The location of public water supply intakes, including active public drinking water supply wells, within one kilometer of the facility must be clearly indicated7.

• Geological considerations: Landfills should not be constructed within 75 meters from a Holocene fault or known recent active fault7.

However, these regulations do not explicitly address the specific risks associated with landfills in close proximity to rivers and within watershed areas. This gap in environmental protection legislation highlights the need for stronger regulations to safeguard vital water resources like the Pagsanjan River.

While information regarding public consultations or opposition to the proposed landfill in Magdalena, Laguna is limited, experiences from other regions suggest a strong potential for community mobilization and advocacy against the project8. In many cases, communities have successfully opposed landfill projects due to concerns about environmental damage, health risks, and property values. This suggests that residents of Magdalena and surrounding areas may also raise their voices against the proposed landfill, especially given its proximity to the Pagsanjan River and the potential for significant environmental and health consequences.

Leachate: A Major Threat to Water Resources and Public Health

One of the most significant environmental and health risks associated with landfills is the generation of leachate. Leachate is a liquid that forms when rainwater and moisture percolate through the waste in a landfill. This liquid can contain a variety of harmful substances, including:

• Bacteria and viruses: These can contaminate water sources and cause waterborne diseases11.

• Heavy metals: Such as mercury, lead, and cadmium, which can accumulate in the environment and have toxic effects on humans and wildlife12.

• Organic compounds: Including solvents, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals, which can persist in the environment and have long-term health impacts12.

• Inorganic pollutants: Like nitrates and chlorides, which can contribute to water pollution and harm aquatic life12.

Leachate can contaminate groundwater and surface water through seepage and runoff11. In the case of the proposed landfill in Magdalena, the proximity to the Pagsanjan River raises serious concerns about the potential for leachate to contaminate this vital water resource. This contamination could have devastating consequences for the river's ecosystem, the communities that rely on it for drinking water, and the local economy.

Furthermore, leachate can contribute to various health problems in humans. Exposure to contaminated water can lead to waterborne diseases, while exposure to leachate through air or soil can cause respiratory problems, chemical poisoning, and other health issues12.

Other Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Landfill

In addition to leachate contamination, the proposed landfill in Magdalena could have several other detrimental effects on the environment:

• Air pollution: Landfills release harmful gases, including methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change13. These emissions can also include volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants, degrading air quality and posing health risks to nearby communities15.

• Habitat disruption: The construction and operation of a landfill can significantly alter the natural landscape, disrupting habitats and potentially displacing wildlife16. This disruption can have cascading effects on the local ecosystem, impacting biodiversity and ecological balance. For example, the diverse bird species inhabiting the Pagsanjan River area could be affected by habitat loss and fragmentation.

• Soil degradation: Landfills can alter soil composition and fertility, affecting plant growth and potentially contaminating agricultural land15. This contamination can have long-term consequences for food security and the livelihoods of local communities.

Public Health Risks: A Closer Look

The proposed landfill poses a range of public health risks to the residents of Magdalena and surrounding areas. These risks are exacerbated by the landfill's location near the Pagsanjan River and within a watershed area.

• Waterborne diseases: Contaminated water from the landfill can spread waterborne diseases like typhoid, cholera, and amoebiasis12. These diseases can have severe health consequences, especially in communities with limited access to healthcare.

• Respiratory problems: Air pollution from the landfill can cause respiratory problems, including asthma and other respiratory illnesses17. These problems can be particularly severe for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.

• Chemical exposure: Leachate and landfill gas can contain toxic chemicals that can have long-term health effects, including an increased risk of cancer and other chronic diseases18. Exposure to these chemicals can occur through contaminated water, air, or soil.

• Birth defects: Studies have shown a potential link between proximity to landfills and an increased risk of congenital anomalies12. These anomalies can have lifelong consequences for affected individuals and their families.

• Other health issues: Landfills can also contribute to other health problems, including skin irritation, gastrointestinal issues, and neurological disorders15. These problems can arise from exposure to various pollutants generated by the landfill.

A study conducted near another landfill site found that residents living closer to the landfill reported higher incidences of illnesses like flu, eye irritation, and general weakness17. This study also revealed concerns among residents about the long-term health impacts of living near a landfill. These findings underscore the potential health risks associated with the proposed landfill in Magdalena and the need for a comprehensive health impact assessment before any decision is made.

Alternative Waste Management Solutions: A Path Towards Sustainability

Given the potential environmental and health risks associated with the proposed landfill, it is crucial to explore alternative waste management solutions that can minimize these impacts and promote a more sustainable approach to waste disposal.

A way forward

The proposed landfill in Magdalena, Laguna presents a significant threat to the Pagsanjan River, its surrounding environment, and the health of local communities. The potential for groundwater and surface water contamination, air pollution, habitat disruption, and public health risks cannot be ignored. The lack of specific regulations regarding landfill placement near water bodies in the Philippines further amplifies these concerns.

Decision-makers must prioritize the long-term environmental and health consequences of this project and give serious consideration to the alternative waste management solutions presented. Protecting the Pagsanjan River, a vital resource for the community and a source of livelihood, should be paramount in any decision regarding waste disposal in this ecologically sensitive area.

The people of Magdalena, Laguna have a crucial role to play in advocating for responsible waste management practices and ensuring the protection of their environment and health. By raising awareness, engaging in local advocacy efforts, and supporting sustainable waste management alternatives, they can contribute to a future where economic development and environmental protection go hand in hand.

Works cited

1. 19 MARCH 2021, FRIDAY - DENR, accessed January 31, 2025, https://denr.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DENR_News_Alerts_19_March_2021_Friday.pdf

2. LAGUNA [AKE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY - LLDA, accessed January 31, 2025, https://llda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/dox/ar/ar19.pdf

3. Bumbungan River - Wikipedia, accessed January 31, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bumbungan_River

4. Pagsanjan: More Than Shooting the Rapids - The Shoestring Diaries - WordPress.com, accessed January 31, 2025, https://shoestringdiary.wordpress.com/2023/01/26/pagsanjan-more-than-shooting-the-rapids/

5. appendix d2: lumban-pagsanjan river profile - SCPW Wetlands Bioblitz, accessed January 31, 2025, https://wetlandsbioblitz.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/App-D2-Lumban-River-Profile-.pdf

6. Plastic Pollution Policy Country Profile: Philippines - Nicholas Institute, accessed January 31, 2025, https://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/sites/default/files/projects/Plastic-Pollution-Policy-Country-Profile-Philippines.pdf

7. Philippines, Solid Waste Management - Enviliance ASIA, accessed January 31, 2025, https://enviliance.com/regions/southeast-asia/ph/ph-waste

8. Rutherford County & Murfreesboro Mayors Propose Waste Solution & Oppose Landfill Expansion - WGNS Radio, accessed January 31, 2025, https://www.wgnsradio.com/article/91083/rutherford-county-murfreesboro-mayors-propose-waste-solution-oppose-landfill-expansion

9. Opposition to threat of landfill development | City of Raymore, MO, accessed January 31, 2025, https://www.raymore.com/government/city-departments/communications-public-relations/opposition-to-threat-of-landfill-development

10. To stop a proposed landfill, Kansas City suburbs are leaning hard on the Missouri legislature | KCUR, accessed January 31, 2025, https://www.kcur.org/housing-development-section/2023-11-13/kansas-city-landfill-raymore-lees-summit-missouri-general-assembly-legislature

11. Roadside Dumps and Water Quality - Penn State Extension, accessed January 31, 2025, https://extension.psu.edu/roadside-dumps-and-water-quality

12. An overview of the environmental pollution and health effects associated with waste landfilling and open dumping - PMC - PubMed Central, accessed January 31, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9399006/

13. Landfills - NCEJN, accessed January 31, 2025, https://ncejn.org/injustice/landfills/

14. Former Dumps and Landfills (PDF format) - Wisconsin Department of Health Services, accessed January 31, 2025, https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p4/p45017.pdf

15. Landfill Sites; How to Get Rid of Them? - Gradeall International | Waste Management Equipment, accessed January 31, 2025, https://gradeall.com/landfill-sites-how-to-get-rid-of-them/

16. Impacts of Mismanaged Trash | Trash-Free Waters - US EPA, accessed January 31, 2025, https://19january2021snapshot.epa.gov/trash-free-waters/impacts-mismanaged-trash_.html

17. Health and Environmental Risks of Residents Living Close to a Landfill: A Case Study of Thohoyandou Landfill, Limpopo Province, South Africa - PMC - PubMed Central, accessed January 31, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6617357/

18. The Dangers of Landfill Leaks and the Toxic Chemicals That You May Be Exposed To, accessed January 31, 2025, https://wooltriallaw.com/the-dangers-of-landfill-leaks-and-the-toxic-chemicals-that-you-may-be-exposed-to/

19. Trash, Garbage and Waste Removal Solutions that Don't Involve a Landfill, accessed January 31, 2025, https://pandaenvironmental.com/Trash-Garbage-and-Waste-Removal-Solutions-that-Don-t-Involve-a-Landfill.htm

20. Waste Management Options | Waste Management for Homeland Security Incidents - EPA Archives, accessed January 31, 2025, https://archive.epa.gov/wastes/homeland/web/html/options.html

Mula sa Silicon Valley hanggang Kesong Puti: Pagninilay sa Aking Kakaibang Paglalakbay

Isipin niyo  ipagpalit ang trabaho bilang software developer sa Amerika upang mangalakal ng kesong puti dito sa Pilipinas. Iyan mismo ang ginawa ko sa aking mahigit na 40 taong paglalakbay mula sa Silicon Valley, California hanggang pagbalik ko sa munting bayan ng Magdalena, Laguna kung saan isinusulong ko ang sustainable agriculture at kaunlaran ng komunidad.

Sa aking karera dumaan ako sa maraming pagbabago na madalas kinailangan ng tapang ng loob. Noong 20 anyos pa lang ako, iniwan ko ang tinubuang lupa at nagsimula sa mundo ng Information Technology upang gumawa ng financial software sa Estados Unidos, kung saan ako noon ay isang bagong saltang imigrante. Nakalipas ang isang dekada, naudyok ang aking kalooban na isagawa ang maging man for others, ang pangaral ng mga paring Heswita sa akin (na isinapuso ko) noong bata pa ako. Ito ang aking pakay sa pagpapalit ng karera at maglingkod sa publiko bilang Public Relations & Community Education coordinator para sa Asian Law Caucus sa San Francisco, California.

Sa trabahong iyon, masigasig kong isinulong at ipinaglaban ang civil rights (karapatang pantao). Hinikayat ko ang mga mamamahayag na bigyang pansin ng publiko ang mga patakarang kontra-imigrante, ang hindi makatarungang pagpapalayas ng mga maralitang senior citizen sa kanilang inuupahang tirahan sa Chinatown, ang masamang kondisyon ng mga custodial workers sa Silicon Valley, ang mapagsamantalang sahod ng mga mga mananahi sa sweatshops, at ang diskriminasyon sa pagpapaalis ng mga Pilipinong security guard dahil sa pagsasalita ng Tagalog sa kanilang trabaho. Sa panahong ding ito, sinimulan ko ring mahasa ang aking pagsusulat bilang isang freelance journalist, at nag-aambag sa mga publikasyon tulad ng Filipinas Magazine at Philippine News sa Estados Unidos.

Nang maglaon, sa ilalim ng proyekto ng U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, nagtrabaho ako bilang Program Director ng Asian Pacific Islander Health Information Network upang mapabuti ang pag-access sa healthcare ng mga Asian Pacific Islanders ; pinamunuan ko ang pagbibigay ng Information Technology sa mga grupong pangkalusugan upang maibahagi ang mga balita at impormasyon gamit ang Internet para sa mga komunidad ng mga  Asian Pacific Islanders sa buong bansa.

Sa huli, tila natagpuan ko ang aking tunay na bokasyon bilang isang social entrepreneur. Sa pagbalik ko sa aking pinagmulan noong 1997, bilang Managing Director ng Actuarial Services Company ng aking ama, pinamunuan ko ang pag-set up ng Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Incorporated, isang mutual benefit association na nagbibigay ng life insurance benefits sa mga unipormadong tauhan ng Philippine National Police, matapos tanggalin ang kanilang life insurance coverage sa GSIS.

Pagkatapos ng saglit na panahon sa Estados Unidos, bumalik ako sa Pilipinas noong 2011 upang alagaan ang aking tumatandang ina at simulan ang Remit4Change, isang proyekto ng US-based NGO,  na tumuon sa paggamit ng mga remittance para sa panlipunang kaunlaran. Sa panahon ding ito nakipagsapalaran ako sa agrikultura, at nagtatanim at nagbebenta ng organic sweet corn. 

Dahil sa mga mabigat hamon ng organic farming , ako’y nagiba ng tuon sa pagbebenta ng gatas ng kalabaw pagkatapos humingi ng tulong ang Municipal Agriculture Officer ng Magdalena sa pagbenta ng gatas ng kalabaw ng mga manggagatas ng bayan. Sa pagtatanto sa potensyal ng gatas ng kalabaw, nakipagtulungan ako sa mga carabao dairy farmers ng Magdalena at Rosario, Batangas para tugunan ang sobrang produksyon ng gatas. Ito ay humantong sa paglikha ng isang microenterprise na kilala sa pagbibigay ng mataas na kalidad na raw carabao milk at ang paggawa at pagbenta  ng mga artisanal cheese, kabilang ang mga sikat na kesong puti at isang lokal halloumi-style na tinatawag Magdalloumi na binansagan ng DTI-Laguna na isang tunay na inobasyon. (panoorin niyo po ito https://youtu.be/cILpXwUIz7E?si=U6UjRCcqZENlcJOp)

Nakita ko ang pagkakataon hindi lamang sa mag-supply ng gatas ng kalabaw para sa world-class na mozzarella at burrata sa isang sikat na brick oven pizza restaurant sa Metro Manila, ngunit para iangat ang kapangyarihan ang mga lokal na magsasaka at mag-ambag sa ekonomiya ng aking bayan. Ang aking mga pagsisikap ay hindi lamang nakatulong sa pagpapalakas ng lokal na ekonomiya ng bayan ng Magdalena at Rosario ngunit isulong din ang sustainable dairy agriculture. Kabalikat ang mga lokal na magsasaka ng gatas, pinangunahan ko ang pag-oorganisa ng Magdalena Agriculture Cooperative noong 2017, at nagsisilbing Chairman ng Board of Directors noong 2022.

Bilang karagdagan, pinangunahan ko ang mga pilantropong kagawian ng aming angkan Laico-Pronove para sa ikauunlad ng komunidad, pinadali ang mga gawad ng lupa sa Magdalena LGU para sa isang bypass na kalsada upang mapabuti ang access ng sasakyan sa apat na  barangay; isang kapirasong lupa para sa isang aquifer pumping station na nagbibigay ng maiinom na tubig sa libu-libong kabahayan sa Barangay Buenavista, Cigaras, at Salasad; isang maliit na parsela sa tabi ng highway kung saan itinayo pagawaan ng gatas at sales outlet; at isa pang parsela kung saan magtatayo ng early childhood care and education center. 

Ngayon sa aking semi-retirement, patuloy kong isulong ang sustainable agriculture at kaunlarang komunidad. Ang kakaibang lakbay ay pagpapatunay na hindi pa huli ang lahat para muling baguhin ang iyong sarili at makatulong sa pagpapaunlad ng komunidad. Sa pagbabalik-tanaw, ang aking malawak at malalim na mga karanasan at ang aking tumitinag na adhikain para sa pagpapaunlad ng  lipunan at ekonomiya ay ang paraan upang maging tunay na man for others.

Sa pamamagitan ng iba't ibang plataporma, kabilang ang aking Facebook page, nagbabahagi ako ng mga pananaw -- matalino man o hindi -- sa mga gawaing gatas kalabaw at inisyatibong pang-komunidad.

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From Silicon Valley to Kesong Puti : A Reflection on my Unconventional Journey

Imagine trading lines of software code for creamy carabao cheese. That's exactly what I’ve done, embarking on a remarkable journey of over 40 years that has led me from the heart of Silicon Valley to a small town in the Philippines, where I now champion sustainable agriculture and community development.

My career has been marked by a series of bold transitions. At 20, I began in the IT industry, developing financial software in the United States where I had just arrived as a young immigrant. A decade later, driven by a desire to put into action the Jesuit mantra of becoming a man for others (which I took to heart), I transitioned into public service, becoming a Public Relations and Community Education Coordinator for the Asian Law Caucus in San Francisco.

There, I passionately advocated for civil rights, engaging journalists to bring public attention to anti-immigrant policies, unjust evictions of low-income elderly in Chinatown, poor working conditions for custodial workers in Silicon Valley, exploitative wages of garment workers in sweatshops, and discriminatory firing of Filipino security guards for speaking Pilipino in the workplace. I also started to hone my skills as a freelance journalist, contributing to publications like Filipinas Magazine and Philippine News.

Later, under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, I worked to improve healthcare access for Asian Pacific Islanders as Program Director of the Asian Pacific Islander Health Information Network, where I took the lead in providing Internet technologies to public health groups to share policy news and information to Asian Pacific Islander communities across the country.

Ultimately, it seems, I found my calling as a social entrepreneur. Returning to my roots in 1997, I first managed my father's actuarial services firm, where I played a key role in setting up the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Incorporated, a mutual benefit association that provides life insurance benefits to uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police after they had been unceremoniously dropped from their own government's life insurance system.

After a period back in the US, I returned to the Philippines in 2011 to care for my aging mother and to initiate Remit4Change, a US-based NGO project focused on leveraging remittances for social impact. It was during this time that I ventured into agriculture, initially planting and selling organic sweet corn.

Facing serious challenges in raising organic crops, then in 2014, I shifted my focus to marketing carabao milk after the Municipal Agriculture Officer had asked for my help to market carabao dairy products of local farmers. Recognizing the potential of the undervalued food, I collaborated with carabao dairy farmers of Magdalena and Rosario, Batangas to address surplus milk production. This led to the creation of a microenterprise known for supplying high-quality, raw carabao milk and marketing artisanal cheeses, including the popular kesong puti and a local halloumi-style cheese called Magdalloumi (which the provincial Department of Trade & Industry director affirmatively viewed as an innovation, please watch https://youtu.be/cILpXwUIz7E?si=U6UjRCcqZENlcJOp).

I saw an opportunity not only to supply raw carabao milk for world-class mozzarella and burrata to a popular Filipino-owned brick oven pizza chain in Metro Manila but also to empower local farmers and contribute to my hometown's economy. My efforts have not only helped boost the local economies of Magdalena and Rosario but have also promoted sustainable dairy agriculture. Along with local dairy farmers, I took the lead in organizing the Magdalena Agriculture Cooperative in 2017, serving briefly as Chairman of its Board of Directors in 2022.

In addition, I took the lead in my family’s philanthropic efforts towards community development, facilitating land grants to the municipal government including a bypass road to improve vehicular access to four barangays; a plot of land for an aquifer pumping station that provides potable water to thousands of households in two barangays; a small plot by the highway on which to build a carabao dairy processing and sales outlet; and another plot on which to house an early childhood care and education center.

Now in semi-retirement, I continue to champion sustainable agriculture and community development, proving that it's never too late to reinvent yourself and have an impact. Looking back, my diverse experiences and unwavering commitment to social and economic progress may yet make me truly a man for others.

Through various platforms, including my Facebook page, I share insights -- wise and otherwise -- on carabao dairy endeavors and community initiatives; I also regularly opine on relevant local and national developments.

(You can find the Filipino translation: https://rcavosora.blogspot.com/2025/01/mula-sa-silicon-valley-hanggang-kesong.html)

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