Organic Farming Puts Philippines on Road to Recovery

PALO LEYTE, Philippines -- One year after a powerful typhoon hit the Philippines, CBN's Disaster Relief teams are still on the ground helping families who lost everything to earn a livelihood.

Nimfa Babula knows how fortunate she is to be alive today.
 
"Nothing was left of our possessions. Our house was destroyed, all our belongings gone," Babula told CBN News.
 
A year ago the world's most powerful storm to ever hit land slammed into the Philippines, killing thousands.

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"I told my sons we will overcome this adversity. We were given a second chance to live and that's why we will overcome this," she said.
 
In a small village not too far from her destroyed community, Babula and 60 other Filipino families are putting that spirit to work at a unique CBN Disaster Relief organic farm.
          
"We learn about hard work and the techniques of organic farming and of course when you plant you will harvest and that's why I'm so happy to be part of this project," Babula explained.
 
The farm is a first of its kind in this region.
 
"We plant tomatoes, potatoes, chilies, peppers, corn, bitter melon, string beans," agriculture technologist Erwin Martillo told CBN News. "We use no chemicals and so we are able to teach the people to eat what is good for their bodies."
 
The goal is to give families who've lost everything a sustainable livelihood that can also build self-confidence.
 
"People have a mindset that they cannot do it; they cannot succeed," CBN Disaster Relief staffer Wilfredo Dalumpines said. "But we are teaching and giving them agricultural training so they will learn how to earn a living. And now that they've harvested, they are happy."
 
As a single mother of six, Babula was struggling to put food on the table before the typhoon hit.
 
"I used to sell food that I cooked in the market, but I was not earning that much money," she said.
 
Now, trips to the market have taken on new significance.
 
"I can't wait to bring the vegetables to the market," Babula said smiling. "Thank you very much CBN. Because of your help, we are able to stand again. In time, I know that our farm will become bigger and we will earn more. Thank you for giving us hope."
 
And judging from the huge success of this project, CBN Disaster Relief is planning to start a piggery, poultry and fish farm.
 
"It is not enough to give houses to victims of the typhoon," Dalumpines said. "We need to give them means of livelihood and that's what's happening with this farm. We help them get up on their feet, assure their sustainability and help them build back better."