Update on Melo Bautista

“We have no choice but pray to God for survival”

Despite routinely contacting each farmer through Whatsapp, I video called Melo Bautista to check on her as Christmas is quickly approaching. For most of us, the popular customs of the holiday include gift-giving, social gatherings, and a big delicious feast. However, while our biggest concern for the holiday may be what presents we receive, much less fortunate struggle to afford a single meal. During our call, Melo updates me on her crops during the second crop planting season.

“Back in October, we planted rice as it was the rainy season. Not only did we experience many flash floods, but also severe typhoons. Unlike the first cropping season, the rainy climate causes only 50% of rice crops to survive as the rest dies from the battering wind. As a result of the harsh climate, we are in constant stress as our crop harvest becomes unpredictable, and thus significantly affecting our income.

Fast forward to a couple of weeks later, the first typhoon of the season just passed. Once the typhoon ended, our family ran to the fields to gauge the damages the next day. We all stood in silence when we arrived, staring at the dead, flooded crops. It was absolutely devastating to see our plants like this. In just a day, our crops are gone. We tried to salvage the remaining plants, but we harvested nothing because the grains were still young and not fully developed enough. Our hearts sank, but what can we do? While prices of fertilizers skyrocket, our income dramatically diminishes. We have no rice to eat from our farm this season and no grains to sell. Life is difficult, but our community always helps one another out during times like these.

Flooded crops as a result of the typhoon

Because the Philippines is a catholic country, Christmas day is essential for Filipinos to visit their families and attend church to show their devotion to God. Even though we all struggle from misfortune, we firmly believe that God is always with us and will show his love for us in his own way. Despite our heavy losses this season, we try our best to share with our community and remind each other of the brighter days ahead of us.”