Monsanto Philippines recently launched the animated version of the only Filipino children’s book on biotech corn seeds titled Lina’s Town Rises Again.
Lina’s Town Rises Again was written for elementary school children to develop a basic understanding of the impact of agriculture products, specifically Dekalb corn seeds in social, economic and environmental terms. It touches on the themes of sustainability, collaboration and safety by narrating the true and inspiring story of how agricultural biotechnology seeds positively transformed a woman farmer’s life, and enabled her farming community to recover economically in the aftermath of a devastating typhoon.
Farmer Consolacion Reyes’ life turned upside down when Typhoon Pablo not only destroyed her house and crops but also her community – homes, farms, and livelihoods. She and her neighbors were forced to take shelter at an evacuation center when the entire municipality of Lambayong went under water. Upon returning to the village, they saw that the super typhoon had destroyed everything.
Seeing her difficulty, a good samaritan lent her money which she used to buy a bag of Dekalb corn biotech seeds. Her harvest was abundant; so after some time, she was able to get back on her feet. A few harvests later and she started to earn consistently higher income. Now, she is among the more prosperous farmers in her town.
The story is authored by Chat Ocampo, Corporate Engagement Lead – Philippines, who has previously authored two children’s books. The book was written in an informative writing style to keep the interest of young readers while conveying some highly technical information on seeds and deliver messages of sustainability and safety.
By writing this book, Ocampo feels she is able to do her share in “keeping the younger generations interested in matters related to agriculture while reaching out to equally important societal audiences such as young parents and teachers.” #
