“Wat Ta Iman Supsuplay (We Are But Supplied Farmers)”: Understanding the Practice of Pasuplay System on Vegetable Production in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet

Abstract

Supply system in the agriculture sector is a form of informal credit system where supplier or landowners fund their supplied farmers in terms of farm inputs and land and the supplied farmers work for the suppliers. Using case-based study guided by the theories of empowerment (Foucault, 1980; Melkote & Steeves, 2001) and the understanding of feudalistic relationships present in agricultural production systems, the study aimed to understand and document the practice of ‘Pasuplay System’ on vegetable production in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet. The Gumpic family is the pioneer of the Pasuplay System in the area which started in 1985. They also have one of the highest supplied farmers with 20 farmers and are well-known in the Pasuplay business. The Pasuplay System as practiced by the Gumpic family and its supplied farmers characterized the system as job opportunity, a form of an informal credit system and as a source of living. It includes five stages, namely ngalatan (agreement) stage, panag-uubla (cropping) stage, panag-aapit (havesting) stage, panaglalako (marketing) stage, and panagtototal (computation) stage. Although the system is important to both the supplier and supplied farmers because it contributes to their social and economic development as farmers, the processes involved control the ways of life of the supplied farmers. The problems identified and solutions recommended by both sides do not solve each other’s problems because the supplier’s intent is to maintain and control the system while the supplied farmers push for their survival in the system and the inclusion of conditions to cater their own needs.