In the bustling streets of Los banos a place named Dangka can be found, beyond the towering structures and smooth flattened pavement at the end of Dangka lies a very different world - where the urban feeling fades and a huge greenery appears. The locals refer to it as “dulo dangka”. Here, time moves with the season, marked by the crops seen in the land. The golden palay during harvest and different colors of aster flowers during season and other green crops sprouting on the land. Amidst this landscape, one can see a simple small wooden house, home to a family of farmers interwoven to the soil they tend. Dulo Dangka isn't just beautiful scenery; it’s the source of livelihood of farmers and their sanctuary.

 

The farmers of Dulo Dangka belong to different farming associations some of them belong to associations for high-value crops or dedicated magpapalay (rice farmers), form a community though a bit isolated, they become interdependent with one another. Cut off from the city’s fast-paced life, they rely mostly on one another. Information, concerns, support and shared labor flow. Conversations happen over shared meals, suring umpukan (gathering), or simply in the fields while they work or take a break. The sense of community is stronger than any smooth paved road leading to town.

 

Yet despite the respite and peace that can be found in Dangka, a constant struggle to survive is seen among farmers. The farmers speak with weariness and tiredness for the shared struggles they face:

 

• The Low prices: The fruits of their hard labor everyday are often priced so low that it’s not enough to cover costs or provide a decent living.

• Insufficient political aid: While they acknowledge government efforts, they see it as inconsistent or not enough. Some farmers do not receive any promised political aid.

• Middlemen & Manipulation: Middlemen who buy their crops are exploitative. Giving them unfair prices trapping farmers in the cycles of debt to finance the next planting season.

• Land Conversion: The threat of land conversion looms over the farmers. Farm land they once till are being sold off, shrinking their space of livelihood and agriculture.

• Unfair laws and Silent Contracts: Policies like Rice Tariffication makes the farmers struggle more. Worse, some people take advantage of their vulnerability by making them sign complex contracts they don’t fully understand in exchange for immediate cash.

• The Struggle of Buwisan: Adding to their problems, the land they till isn’t theirs. The farmers in Dangka often work under the buwisan system, where they pay rent or give a big portion of their harvest as rent putting the farmers in even more financial constraint.

 

Despite all these, the place of Dulo Dangka remains lively and warm. Stepping into the place you will meet genuine welcomes. The air is scented with the land, the flowers, and the scent of other crops will wrap you in quiet calmness. The farmers, though marked by struggles, show a quiet dignity and strength. Their eyes light up to share their stories when they speak of their life as farmers and a tone of pride on the place and good harvest. Their laughter shared across fields and simple cups of coffee resonates and will fill you with warmth. The soul of Dulo Dangka and the farmers who work there will surely leave you in awe and a drive to make their voices heard.