I am a child of the mountains of Benguet, raised by a family whose lifeblood flows from the soil. We are farmers, living off what we gather from our lands. Yet today, we face an uphill battle as sales of our local products continue to decline. Our livelihoods hang in the balance.

Benguet is known as the "Salad Bowl" of the Philippines due to its vast production of upland vegetables. However, recent years have seen a decrease in demand for these locally grown products. According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), there has been a significant drop in vegetable sales over recent years.

This trend not only affects my family but also thousands more who depend on farming for their daily sustenance and income. It threatens our way of life and undermines our local economy.

We urge lawmakers to enact legislation requiring businesses within Benguet and beyond to prioritize locally sourced produce over imported goods where possible. This will not only support local farmers but also promote sustainable agriculture practices that benefit us all.

Supporting our local farmers means loving our environment, embracing fresh and nutritious produce, and ensuring the livelihoods of those who work hard to feed our communities. As they said in a quote, "A country without a farmer is like a tree without a fruit."

Let's stand together for Benguet farmers – those hardworking men and women who feed us every day with their laborious hands and resilient spirits. Sign this petition now and help ensure that they receive the support they deserve!