Why planters lose

If I published the text of planter Chip Ballesteros last Saturday, it's because, as a principle media people, columnists especially, must not be afraid of contrary views. Just don't make it personal.

Otherwise, we can fight our own battles. We've done that many times already.

I don't suffer from insecurities and confident with my position, but also ready to own a mistake if I really committed an honest one.

Confession, it is said, is bad for the reputation but good for the soul. I say, it is even good for the reputation. It shows sincerity.

What did Chip Ballesteros text me? He wrote and I printed, "What is wrong with you Negrense columnists? You play ignorance about the plight of the planters the past three years."

He added, "Life has been hard for us. Don't you think planters need a break in reaction to Mr. Espino's column?"

When I later inquired who is Mr. Espino, he answered Rolly Espina. I can't speak for Rolly. But I know he is one of the professional media men.

***

I don't know and don't think I met Ballesteros. He must be a young man. And he is losing in his farming. But if he willing Rolly and I will ask some friends to audit his operation?

And the other farmers who lose in their operation. Are they willing? Text me please. If I cannot get free auditing services, I will ask James Ledesma for help.

In my writing career I have never been beholden to anyone. When Sugarland publisher Alberto Balcells asked me to edit Sugarland, I only asked I should write what I believed in. He agreed.

I hosted television program Feedback starting 1974. I only had one request from NFSP President Armin Gustilo. I must be free to support the sugar industry in my own way. For 12 years Armin Gustilo never complained. I am for the planters, but not for the inefficient ones.

We will soon open Sunshine Channel on Cable TV 14. NFSP president Nene Rojas asked to have Feedback revived. Without my asking it, he told me, "You will be free to run it the way you feel it should be run."

***

If you cannot be efficient, in your farming, Mr. Ballesteros, why stick to planting sugarcanes? Go to other businesses. Let the efficient people run your farms. You will even earn that way.

Mike Hinojales is one of the biggest planters here. I know as he told me, he has been leasing farms. And very many others, too, who lease farms. The sons of Nene Rojas, Francis, Bobby, and Gerry also lease farms.

I don't know if they re making profit. One thing I know they are not complaining. Which means they are not losing because they are not also giving up their leases.

I planted sugarcane one time.

Because it was small I could not be efficient. So I got out and shifted to rice. Lacking water, I had to do integrated farming. In 2003 the province named me one of the six outstanding farmers using integrated farming system.

There's not much money but the award bolstered my self confidence. This world is not just for monetary profit alone. That's why I am still poor. But soon we will open the Sunshine Channel over TV Channel 14.

I will ask help from Gov. Joseph Maranon how we can educate farmers on farming and livelihood. The program is to promote progress through educating people on farming, other livelihood programs, education itself, and other positive aspects of life. Less of politics.

I would like to believe our planters have read my item Saturdy and what caused the crises in the sugar industry. It's inefficiency brought about by the complacency of lucrative profits.

So. Mr. Ballesteros, if you need my services to have your farm operation audited to find out why you are losing, just text me.

I believe the industry will improve without a regulatory body because it will only be the efficient who will survive.

***

Let me shift to another topic. After DAILY STAR printed its new e-mail address at yahoo.com, I got an e-mail form Lando Ramos, who made it after nine attempts.

Lando introduced himself as "contemporaries of NOHS Class '48 and Class '49" and therefore, an "on and off" Sunshine Boy.

He wrote he missed the group and congratulated the Boys for "surviving the hazardous feat of rendering those nostalgic songs."

By reason of destiny, he wrote, he now lives "in the icy country of Canada" and his enjoyment, he said, is "scrolling the website for DAILY STAR to keep abreast with your educated sleuthing."

Referring to the Boys, he wrote "Lest they deny me, I dare mention names of these senior citizens like Jun Rio, Pompel Q, Carding Y, Buc-an Y, Pops J et al", adding he "missed the ruckus at McDonald's on Sunday mornings bested only by the riotous session of Congress."

***

I have heard a lot about Lando Ramos from his cousins here and other relatives. He is a sincere friend, I was told.

Lando was one time with the military and was a very highly respected military officer, especially after Martial Law because, like his uncle, Toti, who became chairman of the accountancy board of examiners, they belonged to the then Holy Family.

I am happy to hear from Lando Ramos, too, that my friend Toti Quizan has survived a triple hart by-pass and now doing very well enjoying, to quote Lando, "the richness (not the coldness?) of the Canadian snow."*

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