Philippine E-Journals

The Pikit Agricultural Colony: A Study Descendants of the Cebuano Colonos Within a Century (1913-2011)

Hector P. Carbon | Garry O. Apostol

Discipline: Agriculture

 

Abstract:

This is a study on the first and second generation offsprings of the Cebuano colonos of Pikit Agricultural colony which was established in 1913. The study evaluated the extent Pikit Agricultural Colony fulfilled its mandate. The study used the descriptive design. Results showed that the colony as an experiment on multiethnic co-existence is a failure. There were very few Muslims and indigenous colonists among Christian colonos in the four villages originally assigned for colonization. In most colono villages, Christian inhabitants prefer to live among themselves than allow other groups to settle in their villages. Pikit did not develop into an agricultural base for production of basic foodstuff for the nation. Internecine strife prevented it from progressing into what it was planned to be. The original villages of colonos and their descendants have increased in population over a ninety year period except village Calawag. Children of colonos in this villages migrated to other places even outside of the country. The study concluded that the descendants of colonos consider the venture of their parents and grandparents as success. The government planners and some economic analysts consider it a failure. The agricultural colonization in Pikit was a catalyst for the growth and development of Cotabato in particular, and of Mindanao in general.