LEGAZPI City—“Hardwork, passion and adoption of new farm technologies.”
These are the secrets of success of the three successful farmers during the Agri-Forum Live “The Great Bicolano in the field of Agriculture” of the 3rd Bicol Agri-Aqua Fair held on October 28, 2019 in one of the malls here.
The three farmers—-Anghelita Cerillo, Edgar Pesebre, and Josephine Artiaga were recipients of regional and national awards.
During the interview, Cerillo shared how hard and difficult life as a member of the Tabagnon Tribe in Tigaon, Camarines Sur.
“Kung hindi ka magsaka, hindi ka aani. Kaya, nabuo motto ko na wala kaming magandang buhay kung hindi kami magtatanim,” she said.
With hardwork, perseverance to have a good life for her family, and with the help of the DA and its latest technologies, she was able to build and reinforce her skills and knowledge on producing good yielding quality crop that sustained her family’s livelihood.
Cerillo was hailed 2019 Outstanding Corn Farmer during the Gawad Saka National Awards.
Pesebre, on the other hand, left his work in an automobile company to pursue rice farming in barangay Balangibang, Polangui, Albay.
His strong belief that hybrid rice production is the key for food security and economic development, he developed his rice farm by applying his various trainings and seminars from DA and other government agencies.
Thus, he was able to increase his rice production and income; and inspired his neighbor-farmers to do the same.
He advised farmers present during the forum to know first the size of the farm; allocate budget according to size of farm; and check the soil nutrients of farm.
He added also that farmers should avoid being “London”(loan dito, loan doon). He added that his income from his farm are divided into three major expenses—50% farm, 30% family, and 20% for self.
He underscored that farmers should not worry about the Rice Tarrification Law.
“Proteksyon yan kan gobyerno para sa satong mga paraoma!”
Pesebre is 2019 Regional Gawad Saka Outstanding Rice Farmer.
Artiaga, a former Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), started St. Francis St. Rita Nature Farm in Lupi, Camarines Sur out of her savings.
She raises organic livestock and poultry animals; and grows organic vegetables and legumes.
Her attendance to various seminars conducted by the DA further enhanced her knowledge in organic farming.
She also said that going organic is not only healthy for the consumers but economically viable as a business.
“Pag Organic ang produkto mo, pinagkakaguluhan ka, pinag-aagawan ang iyong produkto. At dapat, walang puru-pamilya at kaibigan pagdating sa negosyo. Iba dapat ang personal relationship sa business,” she added.
Artiaga is 2019 National Gawad Saka Organic Farmer. Indeed, these successful farmers will serve as a model and inspiration for aspiring farmers. (jaysonmgonzales)