One of the single most frustrating part of introducing myself as a Malaysian, is being told that Malaysia is "No.1 in Palm Oil!". Then I would say something caustic to wipe that enthusiastic smiles of their faces. Unfortunately, there is this pervasive belief that Malaysia is a wonderful model to emulate in terms of becoming a world class producer of palm oil. At present, Philippines is number 6 but unable to produce enough to meet its own domestic needs. It is still a net importer of palm oil. The same sentiments were echoed by the officer in-charge of the Philippines Palmoil Development Council, Inc. (PPDCI) which is located conveniently in Tacurong. Here, I obtained an investment brief pamphlet from PPDCI which propagates oil palm as "Asia's Miracle Palm Tree'. It was written by an academic, Dr Pablito P. Pamplona who expounds the benefits of oil palm as follows:- For small holders who constitute more than 90% of Mindanao farmers to generate from a...
This blog started with my research in North Sumatra and Sultan Kudarat, Mindanao. I documented the stories of women workers, unionists and labour leaders who were struggling for justice. Over time it evolved into means of studying women's leadership within marginalized communities.
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