Committed ! This is the best way to sum up Inday Pizon’s personality. _ She is the local representative of our Philippine partner « The Philippine Network of Rural Development Institutes » (PhilNet-RDI) in Leyte, in the centre of the country. In this region, as in the rest of the country, most of the population depend on farming for their livelihood. Inday has always lived in a rural environment, her parents were farmers. Despite economic difficulties, her father fought to send his children to school. Inday even had the opportunity to go touniversity, where she studied agriculture. Before joining PhilNet-RDI in 1998, Inday spent four years as a volunteer in a rural development association : « Then I decided to use my skills to help rural communities, and to devote myself as much as I could to improving the lot of the farmers. » Despite financial difficulties, this four-year agricultural experience taught her a lot about herself and her profession.
A life in the service of rural communities
Now married and mother of two children, she juggles family obligations and militant commitment on a daily basis. «Contrary to certain received notions, to be a woman and have responsibilities is quite common in Philippine society, especially in the political environment», she asserts proudly. Thanks toteamwork on agrarian reform, her fight by the side of PhilNet-RDI has taken on real meaning : « There is no greater happiness than that of seeing lives being improved thanks to our efforts. » She works without respite, which is why the entire team nicknames her « Madame laptop »: she always has her face hidden behind her computer ! It is very rare for her to be in the same place for an entire week, since she insists on visiting the different communities regularly, as well as participating at meetings. « I am happy to see the fruit of our actions. Farmers, who in the past did not have land, now do. » Despite her unfailing dynamism and dedication, she has not forgotten her other passions : her family and karaoke, to which she plans to dedicate more time in the future. Inday is not only a relentless worker, she is also a bonne vivante, who allows herself to enjoy life.
Encourage new generations to keep traditions alive.
There remains one commitment of particular concern to Inday: to transmit her love of the land to young people. She deplores their lack of interest in farming: « They are more interested in new technologies and they all think about leaving their villages to settle in town. » Inday is very worried about who will take over the land. This constant militant thinks it is up to local authorities, particularlyschools, to inculcate a love of farming to the younger generation. She has already begun with her own children, who accompany her in some of her activities.
