2014
SEARCH AND AWARD FOR THE OUTSTANDING FARMERS OF THE PHILIPPINES Isang Panunumpa:
Bilang isang mamayang Pilipino, nakikiisa ako sa panatang huwag magsayang ng kanin at bigas, magsaing ako ng sapat lamang at sisiguruduhing tama ang pagkakaluto nito.
Kukuha ako ng kaya kong ubusin upang sa aking pinggan ay walang matirang kanin, ganun din ang aking gagawin kung may handaan o kung sa labas ako kakain.
Ang brown rice o pinawa ay susubukan kong kainin pati na ang ibang pagkain bukod sa kanin tulad ng saba, kamote, at mais.
Ituturo ko sa iba ang responsableng pagkunsumo ng mabigyang halaga ang pagod ng mga magsasaka at makatulong na maging sapat ang bigas sa 2 Messages Pilipinas. 3 About UHI, and TOFARM Aking isasapuso ang panatang ito 4 About the Benefactor dahil sa bawa’t butil ng bigas o kanin na aking matitipid ay may buhay na masasagip. 5 Board of Judges 8 Preliminary Judges
Para sa karagdagang detalye: 10 The Agri-Champions 11 Special Citation www.tofarm.org 12 Kabalikat Partners
TOFARM Secretariat Office 14 The 2014 Group Awardees HCC, 10th Floor, 158 P. Tuazon Boulevard corner 7th Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, 1109 Philippines 16 The 2014 Individual Awards Tel. No. (632) 709-5001 to 02, Fax No. (632) 709-5006 20 Hall of Fame Awardees Mobile: Smart 0947-6884404 • Globe 0905-4555095 Website: www.tofarm.org • Email: [email protected] 21 Feature Story: 72-year old pili grower declared UNIVERSAL HARVESTER, INC. HCC, 10th Floor, 158 P. Tuazon Boulevard corner 8th Avenue, ‘Farmer of the Year’ Cubao, Quezon City, 1109 Philippines 22 The Harvest of Victories Trunkline: (632) 995-8888 Website: www.universal harvester.org 26 Back-To-Farm (BALIK SAKA) Email: [email protected] 29 TOFARM Committee 2 Messages 4 About TOFARM 5 About Universal Harvester, Inc. 6 About the Benefactor 7 Board of Judges 10 Preliminary Judges 12 The Agri-Champions 13 Special Citation 14 Kabalikat Partners 16 UHI CSR Projects 18 The 2014 Group Awardees 20 The 2014 Individual Awards 24 Hall of Fame Awardees 25 Feature Story: 72-year old pili grower declared ‘Farmer of the Year’ 26 The Harvest of Victories 32 Back-To-Farm (BALIK-SAKA) 37 TOFARM Committee TOFARM AWARDS 2014
Messages
My warmest greetings to the Junior Congratulations to the 2014 awardees of The Outstanding Chamber International Philippines Farmers of the Philippines! You are a testament and Area 5, Universal Harvester Inc., and realization of our dream for the agriculture sector. May your the awardees of the search for the story and contributions in the community give hope to our Outstanding Farmers of the Philippines. farmers to strive for excellence.
We remain steadfast in our pursuit of a It is truly remarkable to see and share everyone the sustainable agricultural sector, where resiliency and unwavering resolve of our Filipino Farmers. fair compensation, dignified labor In spite of repeated adversities brought about by calamities practices, and high quality production and market forces, our farmers continue to do their part are the standard for all farms. The in the society and feed the people who relentlessly work winners of this award embody the ideals towards a better nation. For that, maraming salamat sa we have set towards this aspiration: ating magsasaka at mahal ko kayong lahat. Their hard work and dedication inspire us to persevere in transforming the My dear fellow Filipinos, let us thank our farmers by buying Filipino farming industry into a globally their products. Filipino First! We should work together in competitive source of revenue and slowly revitalizing our agriculture sector. Gawin po nating pride for our countrymen. May their muli ang paraan ng bayanihan. Tulungan tayo! One day, efforts allow us to fully realize our goal of production will be bountiful, prices will go down, enough establishing lasting, equitable, progress food for every Juan. in our country. In this tribute to our farmers, I thank the nominators, Together with the Jaycees and agriculture technicians and extension workers, the local Universal Harvester, Inc., i congratulate government agriculturist and officials, individuals and our our outstanding partners. May your corporate partners, the Preliminary Judges and members achievements and contributions to of the Board of Judges, especially to the JCI members and nation-building advance our shared volunteers. Your contributions to our program inspire us to mission on inclusive growth, and may make this initiative more relevant to our farmers. your example foster integrity and accountability in all our citizens. Support the Philippine Agriculture!
I wish you a happy and meaningful DR. MILAGROS O. HOW celebration. Executive Vice-President Universal Harvester, Inc. BENIGNO S. AQUINO III President of the Republic Earnst & Young 2013 of the Philippines Woman Entrepreneur of the Year
The Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship Go Negosyo 2014 Woman Starpreneur
Asia-Pacific Entrepreneurship Award APEA 2014 Outstanding Woman Category Awardee
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I would like to commend The Congratulations to this year’s winners Mahal kong mga kababayan! Samahan Outstanding Farmers of the of The Outstanding Farmers of the nyo po kami upang bigyan pugay ang Philippines (TOFARM), JCI Philippines Philippines Awards. Likewise, i would like mga natatanging halimbawa ng tunay Area 5, and Universal Harvester, to commend JCI Philippines Area 5 and na kasipagan at kagalingan sa larangan Inc. for recognizing the resiliency, Universal Harvester, Inc. for spearheading ng agrikultura. Malugod na pagbati sa ingenuity, and the strength of our efforts to give due recognition to our lahat ng nagwagi sa 2014 Outstanding hard working Filipino farmers. farmers, farmer’s groups and various Farmers of the Philippines! Ngayon Congratulations to all the Outstanding organizations for their exemplary taon, higit na naging makabuluhan Farmers of the Philippines awardees. contributions to Philippine agriculture. ang programa ng TOFARM. Bukod sa pagbibigay parangal, lalu naming Likewise, i would like to thank your Filipinos today are no longer taking up napalawak ang implementasyon ng organizations for encouraging the the plow. Young people are moving kaakibat na programa na “Adopt-a- youth to venture into the agricultural away from agriculture because, in Farmer,” mga libreng pagsasanay at sector. This is indeed very relevant more ways than one, farming is really lakbay-aral, mga pagpapalaganap ng because there is still a lot of untapped a “high risk - low reward” activity in mga adhikain. Layunin na makatulong sa potential and various entrepreneurial the Philippines. Indeed, a farmer’s life mga magsasaka sa lahat na rehiyon ng opportunities in agriculture. We is a strenuous live, full of uncertainties ating bansa. Salamat sa mga nakibahagi! should really entice our youth to join and material want. It is therefore not the industry, as Filipino farmers are surprising that among our youth only a Ipinapahiwatig ko sa lahat, patuloy po getting older. very few aspire to become farmers. As a nating bigyan ng “pag-asa” ang ating result, the average age of a farmer in the mga magsasaka at pangkalahatang The Philippines is an agricultural Philippines today is already 55. agrikultura. Ang “pag-asa” ang isa sa country and two-thirds of the mga pinaka-makabuluhang regalo na country’s population is directly and We need to make farming attractive to maari nyong ibigay sa isang tao. Sa indirectly involved in agriculture. the next generation of Filipinos if we hope pamamagitan ng pagtangkilik o pag-bili Thus, your objective to invigorate to attain self-sufficiency and food security natin sa mga ani ng ating magsasaka investments and scientific for our country. To make farming more (patronage of Filipino produce), advancement in the industry will be attractive, we need to institute policies binibigyan po natin sila ng “pag-asa” very beneficial to the growth and that reduce the risks and improve the upang umasenso. development of the country. rewards of agriculture, and “incentivize” farming as a profession. Lastly, we must Maraming Salamat sa lahat ng nakilahok May your continued efforts serve to give our farmer’s proper respect and due at tumulong sa TOFARM! Dahil sa inyo, further motivate our farmers to do recognition, through awards such as patuloy ang pagdadala ng tulong para their best and inspire our youth to join TOFARM - for their invaluable contribution sa ating mga magsasaka. Higit sa the agriculture sector. to our nation’s development. lahat, pasalamatan natin ang Universal Harvester, Inc. at ang pamilya ni Ginoong Mabuhay ang Magsasakang Pilipino! Mabuhay po kayong lahat! William at Dr. Milagros How, sila’y patuloy na nangangarap upang mas SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR SENATOR GRACE POE umasenso pa ang ating magsasakang Chairperson, Senate Committee Republic of the Philippines Pilipino.Tandaan po natin, sa bawat on Agriculture bagong ani, meron bagong pag-asa. TOFARM Awards 2014 Keynote Speaker Republic of the Philippines ROMMEL M. CUNANAN TOFARM Program Director
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ABOUT TOFARM The Search and Award for “The Outstanding Farmers of the Philippines” is a program of the Junior Chamber International Philippines and the Universal Harvester, Incorporated in 2012. JCI Philippines is the same highly respected organization that brought “The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM)” and “The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL).”
The search and award for farmers is an initiative since the early 70’s, led by the Philippine Jaycees (now JCI Philippines). An award program in recognition of the resiliency, ingenuity, and the strength of our hard working Filipino farmers. The program is anchored in promoting farming in the youth sector in all regions. The search will be inclusive and participative, expanding from public to private sector stakeholders in agriculture, fisheries and livestocks. This project is open to all Filipino farmers, fisherfolk, animal raisers, cooperatives, farm communities, organizations, education/academe, agriculture scientist, LGUs and public employees, and business entities in both rural and urban areas/centers.
OUR GOAL: Foster steady increase of youth venturing in the agriculture sector, invigorating investments and scientific advancement to achieve sustainable food supply.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM: 1. Institutionalize the initiative for the search and award; 2. Achieve private and public sector participation in the annual search and award, and establish a much wider scope and reach; 3. Safeguard the interest and welfare of the agriculture sector; 4. Promote farming as a noble and profitable endeavor; 5. Promote the agriculture sector best practices, techniques and technology; 6. Raise funds to support capacity building and laboratory facility for the farmers; 7. Establish relevant impact of the project through advocacy and support to: i) food supply conservation ii) patronage of Filipino produce 8. Recognize the outstanding individuals and groups in the field of agriculture from the various sectors in the country.
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UNIVERSAL HARVESTER INCORPORATED
ABOUT THE PROJECT STAKEHOLDER Universal Harvester Incorporated uses state-of-the-art technology, as it engages in direct manufacturing, local distribution, importation and exportation of quality fertilizers such as, Muriate of Potash (MOP), Sulphate of Potash (SOP), Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) and Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl). Established in 2003, UHI has already proven its strength and continues to grow with a promising future.
MISSION • To safeguard the interest and welfare of our primary consumers (the farmers) by offering the best quality fertilizers at the most reasonable cost; • To help make farming a noble and profitable endeavor; • To assist farmers in keeping abreast with the latest technology for maximum yield.
VISION UNIVERSAL HARVESTER, INCORPORATED devotes its human and technological resources to the recovery and development of Philippine agriculture as it partners with its primary consumer, the farmers.
It is our commitment to help make the Philippines emerge as a major player in the field of agriculture in the world market.
UHI IS A PEZA-REGISTERED ECOZONE EXPORT ENTERPRISE UHI plants are situated in PEZA (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) Special Economic Zones, locations that are supported by the government by providing a conducive industrial site for companies that offer globally competitive products.
AFFILIATES UHI has a number of associate companies that work together to be able to deliver quality , globally competitive products and services.
UHI IS ALSO ISO-CERTIFIED In its commitment to offer products of the highest quality, UHI’s Quality Management System has been established and certified on December 29, 2006 by SGS Philippines, Inc. (ISO 9001:2000) with Certificate No. PH06/0098. In September 30, 2010, Universal Harvester, Inc. was certified by TUV/SUD Philippines, Inc. (ISO 9001:2008) with Certificate No. TUV 100 05 1624.
5 Dr. Milagros O. How holds a degree in Biology from the About the benefactor University of the Philippines-Diliman. In 2013, she was conferred a Doctorate Degree in Humanities, honoris causa, by the Angeles University Foundation for her contributions in uplifting the lives of Filipino farmers. She also took up an Agronomy course in UP-Los Baños.
While still a college student, her father died and she saw Dr. Milagros how her mother struggled to raise and educate seven children. At the time, her mother had a small business Ong-How selling ammonia, which was used as a refrigerant. She began helping her mother run the business and also set Executive Vice President up another company to market related chemicals in 1973. Universal Harvester, Inc. Her business benefited from the 1974 Oil Crisis, since importation was difficult. With the business doing well, she gave up her dream of being a doctor and began opening various enterprises, including shipping and chemical Dr. Milagros O. How, manufacturing. Executive Vice President of Universal Harvester, One of the chemicals she needed was hydrochloric Inc. recently bagged acid (HCI). She set up Universal Harvester, Inc. (UHI) the 2013 Woman to manufacture HCI integrated with the production of Entrepreneur Award. sulphate of potash (SOP). While the main objective was How’s excelled in to produce HCI, she discovered that SOP was used entrepreneurship, as a fertilizer. She began marketing SOP to agricultural leadership and companies as well as developing other fertilizer lines. community development, which In 2008, the price of fertilizer was at an all-time high. A made her a trailblazer group of plantation owners from Davao asked Dr. How in a male-dominated to supply them with fertilizers directly to reduce costs. industry. This opened the way for her to meet with farmers’ cooperatives, and it was then that she realized their difficult plight.
Ernst & Young (known as EY) is a multinational Fertilizer was expensive due to its multi-layered professional services firm headquartered in London, ditribution system, with several middlemen between the United Kingdom. It is the third largest professional manufacturers and the end-users. To help lower market services firm in the world by aggregated revenue in 2012 prices, she began marketing fertilizer directly to farmers’ and is one of the “Big Four” accounting firms. 2013 AWARDEE cooperatives. She also saw that our farmers lacked technical farming knowledge, so she began sponsoring Lakbay Aral learning to the Science City of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija and to international fertilizer manufacturers to help educate our farmers. UHI also donated soil testing laboratories and engaged a US agronomist to conduct free training on scientific farming methods.
In 2012, UHI partnered with the Junior Chamber International Philippines to conduct The Outstanding Farmers (TOFARM), an annual program which recognizes noteworthy farmers.
UHI have directly and indirectly benefited over 5,400,000 farmers through various farmers’ cooperatives, federations 2014 Starpreneur of 2014 APEA and associations in 78 provinces nationwide. Dr. How also The Philippine Center Outstanding Woman established the How Good Foundation, which helps build for Entrepreneurship Awardee during the schools, supports scholars, and donated various facilities Awardee of 2014 Asia-Pacific to many organizations to help more people in need. Go-Negosyo. Entrepreneurship Awards. TOFARM AWARDS 2014
2014 BOARD OF JUDGES
LUIS REY I. VELASCO, PH.D. EMMANUEL M. SANTIAGUEL, MBA, MPA, PH.D. Professor, Department of Entomology, UPLB Chairman, Cooperative Development Authority Chairman of the 2014 Board of Judges Vice-Chairman of the 2014 Board of Judges
Dr. Luis Rey I. Velasco, a Professor of Entomology, was Dr. Emmanuel Santiguel is a man of the cooperative movement the former Chancellor of the University of the Philippines who has served for more than 30 years in various primary coops in Los Baños. He teaches undergraduate and graduate and cooperatve banks as active member, committee officer, coop courses in ecology and pest management at the University, educator, while also holding positions such as manager, director, and conducts various research projects, many of them vice-chairman and chairman in same. He has traveled extensively on ecology and insect pest management of agricultural and learned much about coop development and regulations from crops. He has published more than 35 papers in local and various Asian and European countries . international journals and has presented 60 papers in local and international scientific meetings. Dr. Santiguel is also an academician who teaches at the Graduate Schools of the Philippine Christian University and Lyceum Philippines Dr. Velasco is the recipient of the “Gawad Lider Award” in University. A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major Science Education from the Department of Science and in Management; Master in Business Administration; and Doctor Technology, the Dioscoro L. Umali Medal for Outstanding of Philosophy in Development Administration, with specialization Science Administrator” from the National Academy of course in Public Administration from Philippine Christian University. Science and Technology, and was chosen “Outstanding He rose from the ranks in private and government service and Alumnus” by the Philippine Australia Alumni Association, was elected Chairman of the Asian Credit Cooperative Regulators Embassy of Australia. Association (ACCRA). A true change agent, he was former Chairman of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). He is currently Managing Consultant of Aurora Integrated Cooperative (AIM Coop) and Consultant on Cooperative Development of the Local Government Unit of Imus City, Cavite.
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JUDY FRANCES AQUINO-SEE Senior Vice-President, Social Security System
Judy Frances Aquino-See graduated in 1986 from the University of the Philippines (UP) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. As an SSS scholar, she earned a Certificate in Development Economics from the UP School of Economics in 1989, graduating with very high honors (summa cum laude). She later pursued graduate studies in the same university and completed a Master of Science degree in Applied Mathematics in 1992.Ms. See is a dedicated public servant and has been a loyal employee of the Social Security System (SSS) for over 26 years now. She started as a Junior Actuarial Researcher in 1987 at the Actuarial Department. She rose from the ranks and fulfilled various roles in the organization – MIS, Corporate Planning and Economic Research, International Affairs, Program Management – until she was appointed as Senior Vice-President in 2010, the youngest SVP ever in the history of SSS. ATTY. MABEL VILLARICA-MAMBA Board Member, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office
Mabel Villarica-Mamba is a member of the Board of Directors of the Philippine Charity Sweepstake’s Office (PCSO) who helps formulate policies for efficient health and medical programs through revenue genereation. A member of JCI, she became first female JCI National President. She also became the first female Vice Mayor of Marilao, Bulacan where she served from 1995-1998. She writes a weekly column for the Manila Times. She got her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UP Diliman where she also received her degree in Law.
JUSTICE NOEL G. TIJAM Court of Appeals, Republic of the Philippines
Atty Noel Tijam graduated Magna Cum Laude from San Beda College with a degree in Bachelor of Arts Major in Philosophy and Political Science in 1967. In 1971, he graduated Cum Laude and Class Salutatorian from the San Beda College of Law and passed the Bar Examinations of 1971 at age 22. He held postitions both in the government and private sectors. He became legal consultant at the Philippine Senate representing former senator Victor Ziga in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, the Senate Economic Affairs Committee, the Committee on National Defense, the Ways and Management Committee and the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges. In 1994 He was appointed presiding judge of the RTC in Quezon City and on the same year served as the President of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC Quezon City). LT. GEN. JAIME S. DE LOS SANTOS, MBA, MA 2001 Chief of Staff & Commanding General of the AFP Former Supreme Commander of the UN Peacekeeping Force in East Timor
Ret. Lt. Gen. Jaime de los Santos, AFP was the 42nd Commanding General of the Philippine Army and 1st Force Commander of the United Nations Peace Keeping Force in East Timor.
He is a trustee of the University of the Philippines Foundation and part-time Professorial Lecturer of Management in UP Diliman. Ret. Lt. Gen. de los Santos was also a member of the UP Board of Regents and former President of the UP Alumni Association. AMBASSADOR ISAIAS F. BEGONIA, MBA 2006 Diplomat to the State of Qatar
Ambassador Begonia is a retired career diplomat who served as consul general and ambassador from 1982 to 2010 to countries such as Spain, Indonesia, Qatar, Moldova, Bulgaria and Romania. Amb. Begonia has also held the following positions in the Department of Foreign Affairs: Special Assistant to the DFA Secretary, Director of Management Information Service, Vice-Chairman of the Presidential Middle East Preparedness Committee, and Head of the DFA Office of Intelligence and Security.
Also a military man, he served as Provincial Commander of La Union and Benguet provinces and was Chief of Staff of the Anti-Carnapping Task Force, He is a Retired Colonel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
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ATTY. ANTHONY N. PARUÑGAO Under Secretary for Legal Affairs Office Department of Agrarian Reforms
Atty. Paruñgao is Undersecretary of the Legal Affairs Office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). As Undersecretary, he also previously served as representative and official spokesperson of the Cabinet Assistance System (CAS) of the DAR Adjudication Board (DARAB), and alternate member of the Board of Directors of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP). He is also currently Vice Chairperson of the DARAB and Trust Committee Chairperson for the Board of Directors of LBP. Undersecretary Paruñgao practiced law in various fields, among them business, labor, telecommunications, administrative law and estate planning prior to his tenure in government. He also taught Business Law at the U.P. College of Business Administration from 1989 to 2010. ROMMEL R. ABESAMIS Assistant Secretary for Foreign Assisted & Special Projects, Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Rommel R. Abesamis currently holds the position of Assistant Secretary for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and is also chairman of the Quezon City government’s Blue Ribbon Committee. He was chosen as the Most Outstanding Quezon City Councilor from 1999-2001 and was added to the Hall of Fame in 2002. He got his undergraduate degree in AB Economics from San Sebastian College and his Law degree from the University of Santo Tomas.
LUCIO N. TABING Agriculture Expert, Radio Anchor/Host of “Sa Kabukiran” DZMM
Ka Louie was born to a farming family.He worked his way through school to complete his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree at the University of the Philippines Los Baños in 1970. Then he took up graduate studies at the College of Mass Communication in UP-Diliman. He is an author, a poet, an agriculturist, and a radio broadcaster.
He is also a farmer and producer of Kaluwi Virgin Coconut Oil and is the host of the radio show “Sa Kabukiran” on DZMM. Currently he is Editor-in-Chief of Kaunlaran Magazine and Secretary General of Pangkat Kaunlaran, Inc.
ATTY. RICARDO V. PARAS III, LLB Chief State Counsel, Department of Justice
Atty. Ricardo Paras holds the position of Chief State Counsel for the Department of Justice. He heads the Refugee and Stateless Persons Protection Unit which evaluates applicants for refugee and statelessness status in the Philippines. Atty Paras was also the Head of the Philippine Delegation to the High Level Experts Group on the ASEAN charter which worked on the Dispute Settlement Mechanism and Immunities of official representatives to the ASEAN.
He finished his law degree from the Ateneo de Manila College of Law in 1982 and passed the bar that same year.
EDGARDO C. AMISTAD President, UCPB-CIIF Finance and Development Corp.
Mr. Amistad is president of the United Coconut Planters Bank-Coconut Industry Investment Fund Finance & Development Corporation and the UCPB-CIIF Foundation, Incorporated. He also chairs the Coconut Committee of the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Foods and is adviser to the Board of Philippine Disaster and Recovery Foundation. He is director of the National Cooperative Movement and actively participates in various projects dedicated to improving the cooperative system in the Philippines. He is also on the advisory board of the ASEAN CSR Network and the League of Corporate Foundations. Currently a member of the National Nutrition Council, he also served as senior officer of the Land Bank of the Philippines, specializing in rural finance and countryside development, and headed the Credit Department of The Manila Banking Corporation.
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TOFARM 2014 PRELIMINARY JUDGES
Enrico P. Supangco, Ph.D. Leticia E. Afuang Ph.D. Zoilo D. Belano, Jr. Professor Director, Office of the Student Head, Student Organizations Animal & Dairy Science, UPLB Affairs, UPLB and Activities, UPLB Enrico Plata Supangco is Dr. Leticia Espiritu-Afuang is an Zolio Belano Jr. is an Associate a director of the Center for Environmental Science expert on Professor and the head of Technology Transfer and protected areas wildlife biology/ the Student Organizations Entrepreneurship and a herpetology, genetics and and Activities Division in UP professor of the College of forestry. She is a faculty member Los Banos. He earned his Agriculture in UP Los Banos, of UP Los Baños, teaching at Masters degree in International Animal and Dairy Sciences UPLB’s Institute of Biological Studies from the University Cluster. He graduated with a Sciences’ Animal Biology of Queensland in Brisbane, Doctor of Philosophy in Range Division. A brilliant researcher Australia after finishing Bachelor Science from Texas A&M on the topic of conservation of Laws from the Philippine University in Texas, USA and of Philippine biodiversity, Dr. Christian University. Thereafter, earned his Masters degree in Afuang has published numerous he taught at the University of Animal Science from UP Los journal articles on biologocal Cebu and at the Colegio de Banos. conservation. Kidapawan.
Rayner C. Lorenzo, MBA Dinah Purah T. Depositario, DBA Jose Mari O. Daclan Carl Jeffrey S. Tan President/CEO, Pest Science Associate Professor, Agribusiness Environment Committee Head, General Manager Corp. & Novicide Inc. Management & Entrep, UPLB UP Mountaineer CT Concept Enterprise
Rayner C. Lorenzo is the current Dinah Pura T. Depositario is Jose Mari O. Daclan is the Carl Jeffery S. Tan is the owner and president of Pest Chair of the Department of Technical Manager for Urban founder and general manager Science Corporation, Novicide, Agribusiness Management Risk Management Applications of CT Concepts Enterprise, Inc., and Science House, Inc. He and Management and in the Earthquakes and a food service equipment is a certified pest applicator and Entrepreneurship in UP Los Megacities Initiative, an NGO that distributor. He is also a member a licensed pest exterminator, Baños. She has been the advances urban risk reduction of several influential groups in biologist and formulator. He recipient of a Fulbright- policy, knowledge and practice the country, like the Rotary Club graduated with a Bachelor’s Philippine Agriculture Research in fast-growing metropolises. He of Manila and the Philippine degree in Biology from the Fellowship, four UP International is also the director and treasurer Franchise Association, to name University of the Philippines, Los Publication Awards and the CEM of Balyena.org, an NGO that a few. He graduated with a Baños in 1996, and received Outstanding Researcher award. advocates the conservation of degree in AB Political Science his Master’s in Business whales, dolphins and porpoises from the University of Sto. Administration from the Ateneo in the Philippines. Tomas in 2007. de Manila University in 2000.
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Vincent Paul A. Mamigo Engr. Don Mustapha A. Loong Salvador C. Guingab Noel C. Galvez Agriculture Technician Assistant Secretary Vice-President Director, Kapisanan ng mga Dumaguete City DPWH, ARMM Kadena Press Asia Foundation Broadcaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Vincent Paul Mamigo is currently Don Mustapha Arbison Loong Salvador Guingab is the current Noel C. Galvez is the Vice agricultural technologist at the serves as Assistant Regional Vice President of Kadena President for Operations and Negros Oriental Department of Secretary of the Department of Press Asia Foundation, Inc. A Corporate Secretary of Vanguard Agriculture who has worked as Public Works – ARMM. He is a well-experienced trainer and Radio Network Co. Inc. that Livestock Production Specialist licensed civil engineer and an manager for both corporate operates broadcast stations in at Monterey Foods Corporation accredited Department of Public and government sectors, he Luzon and the Visayas. He is a and Technician Officer at Works and Highways materials was Multimedia Development Director of the Kapisanan ng GeneTranCo Asia Inc. before engineer. He graduated from teacher at QC Polytechnic mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas entering government service. He the University of the Philippines, University, KORPHIL Operations (KBP). Aside from being graduated with a Bachelor of Diliman with a degree in BS Civil Head under the Office of the knowledgeable in creating Science degree in Agriculture, Engineering in 2000. He also Quezon City Mayor, and former computer programs written in Major in Animal Science from received a Bachelor of Laws Chief of Staff of Quezon City PHP with MySQL, Mr. Galvez Silliman University in 2003. degree in 2010 from the Western Councilor Alfred Vargas. He is isalso an accomplished voice Mindanao State University. an alumnus of the University of over talent who composes songs the East, College of Fine Arts. and jingles for radio ads.
Manuel Paolo J. Laurena, MSE Sr. Celia A. Tacujan, FMA, M.A. Raymond J. Salazar, MPSPA Carlitos B. Dueñas, MBM-EXM Director Educator, Daughters of Mary Executive Secretary to the Secretary General COOP-NATTCO Novo E Diversified Agro, Inc. Help of Christian Governor, Cavite Province
Manuel Paolo Laurena has Celia Tacujan is a seasoned Raymond Janolino Salazar has Carlitos Duenas is Chief Finance been a member of the Junior Catholic school educator who been a member of the Junior Officer of the Cebu People’s Chamber International (JCI) since is currently School Directress Chamber International (JCI) since Cooperative, a member of 2001, being an International of Don Bosco School. She was 2007. He was National Chairman the Board of Trustees of the Trainer who has participated in formerly college instructor at the for the Philippine Junior Cebu Courts, appointed as business-related short courses Don Bosco Technical Institute in Jaycees in 2012 and National Special Advocate for Children and conferences in Japan, Papua New Guinea from 2004 to Secretary General in 2013. He is in Courts and a member of Singapore and Hong Kong. 2007. Ms. Tacujan also formerly currently the Human Resource the Children Legal Bureau of held the position of School Manager for Mount Sea Resort Cebu City. He graduated from Mr. Laurena is taking Directress from 1989 to 1995 and Executive Secretary of the University of San Jose up a Master’s degree in and Provincial Superior from the Municipal Government of Recoletos with a degree in Entrepreneurship at the De La 1997 to 2003 of Mary Help of Noveleta, Cavite. Business Administration minor in Salle University. Christians School in Laguna. Marketing and Management.
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AGRICULTURE CHAMPIONS
BOARD OF JUDGES
Emmanuel M. Santiaguel, MBA, MPA, Ph.D. Justice Noel G. Tijam Vice-Chairman of the 2014 Board of Judges Member of the 2014 Board of Judges SERVICE
Luis Rey I. Velasco, Ph.D. Judy Frances Aquino-See Chairman of the Member of the 2014 Board of Judges 2014 Board of Judges
Ruby F. Pascual Hegem C. Furigay Marlo L. Atilano TOFARM Committee Member 2014 Area 5 Vice President 2014 TOFARM Area V Chairman JCI Philippines JCI Philippines
BEST BIDBOOK
NIA Region IV Employees Velly M. Naciongayo Multi-Purpose Cooperative (NEMCO) Young Farmer Agri-Cooperative, Pila, Laguna
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Junie E. Awa Young Farmer
SPECIAL CITATION
Brian A. Belen David B. Balilla Young Farmer Urban/City Farmer
Renato A. Belen Valero P. Ramos Agriculture Innovator Farmer
Edgar O. Samoden Avelita M. Rosales Farmer Agri-Innovator
Antonio P. Mendoza Adelia Q. Magsino Farmer Woman Farmer
Pinagdanlayan City Agricultural and Rural Improvement Club Fishery Council Multi-Purpose (CAFC) Cooperative City of Malaybalay Agri-Cooperative LGU
Maasin City Rural Provincial Improvement Agricultural and Club Federation Fishery Council of (MACIRICFE) Misamis Oriental Agri-Initiatives Agri-Initiatives
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UNIVERSAL HARVESTER’S KABALIKAT PARTNERS
FEDERATION OF PATRIOTIC FARMERS’ COOPERATIVE OF NUEVA ECIJA BATANGAS SUGAR PLANTERS COOP. MARKETING ASSOCIATION (BSPCMA) Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija Batangas City
ALBACOPA FEDERATION OF COOPERATIVES FARMERS ASSO. INNOVATIVE TECH. AND HARVEST (FAITH) Alcala, Pangasinan Rosario, La Union
NUEVA SEGOVIA CONSORTIUM OF COOPERATIVES SAN JOAQUIN MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE Vigan, Ilocos Sur Sarrat, Ilocos Norte
KABALIKAT PARTNERS • BATANGAS INTEGRATED SUGAR PLANTERS MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE • CAPITOL MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE Lipa City, Batangas Pili, Camarines Sur • SUGARCANE FARMERS OF BUKIDNON, INC. • SORO-SORO IBABA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (SIDC) • FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES OF TARLAC Naga, Camarines Sur Poblacion, San Manuel, Tarlac • NORTH CLUSTER PRODUCERS COOPERATIVE • PILAR ORGANIC FARMING ORGANIZATION INC. Paniqui, Tarlac
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MASBATE KABUHAYAN MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE ST. PASCHAL BAYLON MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE San Quintin, Pangasinan
PORAC PAMPANGA SUGAR PLANTERS ASSOCIATION DEL CARMEN PAMPANGA SUGAR PLANTERS MARKETING ASSOCIATION INC. San Fernando, Pampanga
AMBOS MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE AGRIZKAYA COOPERATIVE FEDERATION Daet, Camarines Norte Bambang, Nueva Viscaya
UNIPRIMCO PMC DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE RFO VI Parola, Iloilo City
• BENACORN • DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE RFO V Alaminos, Laguna Pili, Camarines Sur • QUEZON FARMERS’ AGRICULTURAL MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE • DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE RFO IV-B Pagbilao, Quezon ATI Compound, Quezon City • NORTHERN FOODS CORPORATION Sarrat, Ilocos Norte
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TOFARM AWARDS 2014
GROUP CATEGORY AWARDEES FOR 2014
AGRI-COOPERATIVES CATEGORY NORTHERN MINDANAO FEDERATION OF DAIRY COOPERATIVES (NMFDC) AGRI-COOPERATIVE GOLD AWARDEE
Consisting of 12 dairy cooperatives throughout municipalities and communities of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro, the Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (NMFDC) has continued to grow since its inception in 1987 and is now a key supplier of dairy products in the country and abroad. The NMFDC has world-class facilities for milk processing, cattle breeding, forage processing and produces all-natural dairy products such as cheeses, fresh milk, yoghurt, butter and cream under the name Highland Dairy Fresh Products.With the acquisition of top breed Holstein-Jersey cows the Federation’s milk production reaches up to 3,500 liters daily. NMFDC employs as much as 19 regular employees with comprehensive benefits and coverage.
GOOD SAMARITAN MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE SILVER AWARDEE, SAN MATEO, ISABELA Growing from 28 members and expanding beyond a community of the United Methodist Church in 1990, the Good Samaritan Multi-Purpose Cooperative now has at least a hundred members from Isabela and Alfonso Lista, Ifugao in its area of operations. The Good Samaritan Cooperative has uplifted the lives of the families and communities of its members through livelihood loans, financial aid, and price stabilization of farm inputs in the area.
AGRI-INITIATIVES CATEGORY CARAEL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AGRI-INITIATIVES GOLD AWARDEE, DAGUPAN CITY, PANGASINAN Carael Elementary School envisioned that the Gulayan sa Barangay Program would promote sustainable farming and serve as a vital nutritional intervention to address malnutrition and hunger in the community, plus promote values formation. Inspired by the Japanese farmer and philosopher Masanubo Fukuoka who said that “The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings”, CES teachers saw the community-based farming activity evolve from a backyard vegetable garden to an intricate integrated farming program which included goat raising, chicken and duck culturing, production of salted eggs, aquaculture, rice and corn farming and most recently, mushroom production. The school’s program continues to prosper with the support and commitment from the students, teachers and the community.
SAN ISIDRO UPPER RURAL IMPROVEMENT CLUB CITY AGRICULTURE OFFICE, SAN CARLOS CITY, BUBUYAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION PANGASINAN - SILVER AWARDEE SILVER AWARDEE, CALAMBA CITY, LAGUNA SILVER AWARDEE, LALA, LANAO DEL NORTE The City Agriculture Office of San Carlos promotes and Gulayan sa Paaralan started in 2011 in response to The San Isidro Upper Rural Improvement Club and spreads relevant and sustainable farm practices in San the Department of Education’s call to fight hunger Women’s Association have always aspired to improve Carlos City to strengthen the growth of self-reliant farmers, and malnutrition among students. It received multiple the quality of life of its members and the community, families and rural youth organizations. It carries out awards from the Calamba City Government, including making sure they are empowered, economically. programs that provide support and subsidy for farmers. the Best School Garden Award, which it won three times.
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FAMILY FARMER CATEGORY BENITO P. TRAVILLA AND FAMILY FAMILY FARMER GOLD AWARDEE, BANGA, SOUTH COTABATO The Travilla family is a team when it comes to managing Four Jewels Aquafarm of South Cotabato. The head of the family, Mr. Benito Travilla is an expert in agronomy and fish culture, having received and Outstanding Student Farmer award in his youth and several professional accreditation. Mars. Cirila Travilla on the other hand is a businesswoman who oversees the finances of their farm. Both Mr. and Mrs. Travilla are community agriculturists for indigenous people and has earned the title of Outstanding Model Family of South Cotabato in 2013.
They are blessed with four daughters, Cherrel, who finished an Agricultural Economy degree in UPLB; Mabel, who works abroad to finance their cassava and rice ventures; April, who is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine who manages their tilapia hatchery; and Faye, a medical student who manages their employees’ welfare.
DANIEL AND REMIA APOSTOL & FAMILY NESTOR C. ACOSTA & FAMILY SILVER AWARDEE, SOUTH COTABATO SILVER AWARDEE, BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE The Apostol family has invested a lot in crop production and planting materials, Nestor Acosta adopted a scientific approach to farming which quickly resulted and their sense of fulfillment became even more complete when their children in high-value and high-yield crop production. He and his family now manage joined them to manage other aspects of their operations. their farming facilities and a community mini-dam for irrigation. LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT CATEGORY GULAYAN AT BULAKLAKAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT GOLD AWARDEE, QUEZON CITY The Gulayan at Bulaklakan Project of Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City was born out of the desire of its residents to band together and start a clean-up drive so they can develop a vacant lot of more or less one hectare owned by the National Government Center. The lot was located south of Republic Avenue, within BF Homes in Quezon City. The group called itself the “Samahan ng Mumunting Maggugulay.” Because of its successful effort at cleaning, greening, and ecological management, Barangay Holy Spirit received due recognition. It received a Bronze Medal as Model Barangay in the nationwide search for Eco-Waste Management 2004 from the DILG, PIA, DENR, DOT , MMDA and ADF Inc. it was declared champion in the Quezon City Search for the Cleanest Barangay with the Best Barangay Solid Waste Management Practice in 2013.
TAMBUNAN MARINE PROTECTED AREA, OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL AGRICULTURIST LGU OF CALAMBA, SILVER AWARDEE, LGU OF TABINA SILVER AWARDEE, SORSOGON CALAMBA, LAGUNA SILVER AWARDEE, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR OPA has been actively pursuing programs and The City Government of Calamba improves farmer The Tambunan Marine Protected Area was created in projects that help farmers, fisherfolk and other capabilities and productivity in the city. It provides 2003 by the LGU of Tabina and the DENR-EcoGov to stakeholders achieve enhanced productivity, earn services such as soil analysis, grain moisture spawn and breed marine life and mangroves in the more income and provide a bigger food supply. It analysis, plant pests’ identification and marketing area. It has put into place regulations that protect and helps implement the Department of Agriculture’s assistance to yellow corn producers. Technical preseve these marine resources. AgriPinoy projects and has revived the moribund assistance given improves farmers’ productivity in abaca industry in Sorsogon. the community.
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INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY AWARDEES FOR 2014
FISHERFOLK CATEGORY DANILO A. SANTOS FISHERFOLK GOLD AWARDEE, SAN MATEO, ISABELA
Danilo A. Santos, a graduate of Associate in Marine Engineering had wanted to sail the seas, but his aging parents wanted him to stay in San Mateo to manage their 2-hectare rice farm and fishpond. His first venture in agriculture made him bankrupt and forced him to take on jobs like driving a taxi and jeepney. Finally he decided to try fish farming and invested in a Tilapia Hatchery. He produced his own probiotics which he cultures out of indigenous by-products like sugarcane husk to improve the water quality of his fishponds. He also formulated his own feeds from fruit fly larvae which he uses as food supplement for the fingerlings. He designed pond compartments which enabled him to produce and culture multi-species in just a hectare of pond. Danilo’s tilapia business grew exponentially, which enabled him to save and provide for his children’s education.
LUDOVICO R. VILLANUEVA VALIE J. BARICANOSA FISHERFOLK SILVER AWARDEE, FISHERFOLK SILVER AWARDEE, CARAEL, DAGUPAN CITY, PANGASINAN CALAMBA CITY, LAGUNA Ludovico Villanueva practices Floating Valie Baricanosa is known in his town Oyster Raft Culture farming. Ludovico as one of the biggest producers of Fresh works with the local government and Water Catfish or “Hito”. Researchers and constantly improves his livelihood through students of fishery and agriculture are training. He continues to tend his raft open to conduct experiments in Valie’s and share his knowledge with other fish farm. This is one of his ways to help fishermen. improve fish farming in his locality.
LIVESTOCK CATEGORY DELIA C. DEJAN LIVESTOCK GOLD AWARDEE, CALAMBA CITY, LAGUNA
Delia Dejan, mother of four from Calamba City, Laguna, worked as a factory worker and did desk jobs before going into agri-business. Described by friends as self-reliant and independent, she grows her hog-breeding, poultry and farming businesses by applying the latest technologies and strategies in farm management, composting and vermi-composting on her farm.
She imparts her knowledge and expertise on proper farming techniques with fellow farmers through trainings and seminars. She is currently associated with the Farmers’ Field School in Bunggo, Laguna.
ARCADIO F. DE BELEN, JR. ARNULFO B. CORPUZ LIVESTOCK SILVER AWARDEE, LIVESTOCK SILVER AWARDEE, SAN ILDEFONSO, BULACAN SAN NICHOLAS, ILOCOS NORTE Arcadio G. De Belen started farming Arnulfo Corpuz s an active farmer, a at the age of 12. He is now an expert livestock raiser, a committed leader and and exponent of dairy carabao an officer of Community Participatory production, cattle production, Action Research (CPAR), a community swine-raising. He also has a taxi organization. He is also a duly accredited operation business and farms Barangay Village-Based Artificial hectares of land. Insemination Technician (VBAIT).
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URBAN FARMER CATEGORY DANILO M. AGLIAM URBAN FARMER GOLD AWARDEE, BAGUIO CITY Starting with the simple goal of providing healthy and cost-efficient produce for his family, Danilo Agliam’s rooftop gardern in his Baguio residence has grown to become a notable green haven that uses innovative and award-winning techniques. The Agliam family started their urban rooftop garden in July 2010 and now produces vegetables for their needs and for selling. Adapting several techniques such as hydroponics, and vermicompost tea as ‘living fertilizer’ has helped to make an efficient and bountiful yield of lettuce, broccoli, leeks, cilantro, arugula, pechay, mustard, carrots, radish and Baguio beans from within an urban environment. One of Danilo’s children, Darryl Jake Agliam, received first place for High Value Crops Development Program Organics Fertilizer Preparation in the National 4H Convention conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute for the fertilizer he helped develop in their family’s rooftop garden. The Agliams’ Organic Rooftop Garden is open to visitors who are curious or interested to try urban farming or rooftop gardening.
ELIZABETH A. GARCERON RONIE A. MALOLOY-ON URBAN FARMER SILVER AWARDEE, URBAN FARMER SILVER AWARDEE, CALAMBA CITY, LAGUNA MANDAUE, CEBU J/CInsp. Gerceron founded a rooftop garden Ronie Maloloy-on has loved farming since as a diversional activity in the city jail female his childhood days in Masbate province. dorms in the Bureau of Jail Management The Maloloy-ons have turned their backyard and Penology in Calamba, Laguna. Elizabeth garden into a high-yield urban farm with sourced out materials and resources to a distinctly modern and urban touch. The start a rooftop garden for vegetables and Maloloy-on family grows a large variety of medicinal plants in the ladies’ dorms. vegetables in big quantities in that garden. AGRI-INNOVATOR CATEGORY DR. CARLOS S. DELA CRUZ AGRI-INNOVATOR GOLD AWARDEE, TACLOBAN CITY Dr. Carlos S. De La Cruz is a multi-awarded research scientist who has been working for the Department of Agriculture for 30 years.In 2011, Doc Caloy, as he is fondly called, received a Regional Gawad Saka Award as an Outstanding Agricultural Scientist. A Superintendent in DA-RIARC of Abuyog, Leyte he is now working to make jackfruit a globally competitive product. His researches, like his study on pest management of jackfruit -- Region 8’s banner commodity -- have earned countless national Best Paper Awards and has addressed the urgent problems of farmers. Doc Caloy has developed pest management strategies anchored on health and environmental considerations, making pests no longer a threat to the region.
RODOLFO C. TUANQUI ARISTON D. CALVO AGRI-INNOVATOR SILVER AWARDEE AGRI-INNOVATOR SILVER AWARDEE POLANGUI, ALBAY KABACAN, NORTH COTABATO Passion for community development One of his noteworthy research projects is accompanies Rodolfo’s passion for farming. on the organic and sustainable control of He constructed the Napo Elementary fruit flies. His findings were helpful for fruit School that received a national award for growers to increase their production and its GreenRevolution project under the late reduce yields damaged by the insect. A President Ferdinand Marcos. product that emerged from his research is now being applied for a patent.
21 TOFARM AWARDS 2014 AGRI-ENTREPRENEUR CATEGORY LUCRECIA M. NERI AGRI-ENTREPRENEUR GOLD AWARDEE MIDSAYAP, NORTH COTABATO “Don’t count the profit you might accumulate, just invest love, generosity and gratefulness in your heart, and you will enjoy the real meaning of profit: peace and happiness.” That’s what Lucrecia M. Nery, owner of Manna’s Alternative Herbal Products, a company that sells various kinds of herbal medicines at affordable price said about her business. Manna’s Alternative Herbal Products came from humble beginnings. In 2010, Ate Luz only had a mortar and pestle, P105.00, and herbs from her own garden. But she believed that these herbs carried strong medicinal value, and worked hard to develop and promote them. Her products were advocated by many parishioners and slowly but steadily got recognition in the local market. It is a big success today. TROY D. BUMAGAT ALBERTO C. CALSADA ABRAHAM A. FLORES SILVER AWARDEE, ORMOC, LEYTE SILVER AWARDEE, SILVER AWARDEE, Troy D. Bumagat is the owner BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE SAN MATEO, ISABELA of Trophy Farm Supplies. Alberto C. Calsada is the owner Abraham A. Flores His business has been able of Calsada’s Rice Mill and started Mayflower Agrivet to provide employment Dragon Fruit, piggeries, fisheries Trading in 1984, the first to members of the local and several other farms. In agri-vet supply store in community. He also actively every business venture, he his community. He also finds ways to help out in various continuously commits himself to started the Mayflower sectors of society. He enjoys producing only the highest quality Meat Shop in 2007. Over sharing his time, effort and products, not only for himself, but the years, he has been money in helping underserved also for the benefit of the larger able to use his businesses areas in the province. community. to help others and to give back to his community. WOMAN FARMER CATEGORY DESIREE B. DURAN WOMAN FARMER GOLD AWARDEE, BULACAN Before getting into farming, Desiree “Daisy” Duran was a sidewalk vendor selling fishballs and palamig on the streets. But a Department of Agriculture’s (DAR) seminar on off-season vegetable production technology changed all that. She tried out tomato farming first, then tried growing ampalaya, eggplant, papaya and eventually, pepper, raising seedlings on the side. The benefits she derived from her trial farm convinced her that this was her vocation. She attended more trainings and seminars to improve her skills and knowledge in farming operations and technologies. With DAR support from the Provincial Government of Bulacan, and the Municipal LGU, she was able to convert their family-owned hectare of land into an “Oasis of Vegetables” where she now also grows upo alongside the other vegetables. Her farm is now an Agri-tourism site that local tourists and Lakbay-Aral participants frequent to learn more about the business of vegetable farming. Her business is so successful that she has been given the title “Seedling Queen of Central Luzon”. AGNES M. ASUNCION CRESENCIA M. TUIZA WOMAN FARMER SILVER AWARDEE, WOMAN FARMER SILVER AWARDEE, CURRIMAO, ILOCOS NORTE HORNALAN, LAGUNA Agnes worked for 22 years in HongKong Cresencia “Ising” Tuiza, started farming before starting her farming business by planting sugarcane. Later she shifted with her husband in the Philippines, By to vegetable farming and it turned out to attending farming seminars they were be the better choice. In 2010, she added able to put up a very successful dragon a Green House to her farm to cultivate cactus farm. The business expanded even vegetable seedlings and opened it to her more by selling Dragon Cactus seedlings. her community so they can cultivate their Now the business includes the production own seedlings too. Always ready to help of Dragon Fruit herbal soaps that has her community, she makes important many variants. donations and teaches compost making to farmers in her locality.
22 TOFARM AWARDS 2014 YOUNG FARMER CATEGORY ALEX O. ABORITA YOUNG FARMER GOLD AWARDEE, LEYTE Alex Aborita has been a farmer since childhood. His farming system is an amalgam of learnings he got from his parents, his personal experiences, formal education, trainings, farm visits and interaction with agricultural specialists and fellow farmers. A Bachelor of Agricultural Technology graduate, his dream was to help bring the barangay residents out of poverty through agriculture. He was sent by the Department of Agriculture in 1997 to Japan for the Young Farmer Leaders’Training Program under the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council. His one-year stint gave him the opportunity to experience hands-on activities on farm mechanization and farming in Japan, which inspired him to pursue making a living by tilling the soil. He is now the barangay chairman of Brgy. Villanzoilo, Jaro, Leyte.
CHRISTOPHER E. BALQUIN SILVER AWARDEE, BULAN, SORSOGON Christopher Balquin of Brgy Lahong , Bulan Sorsogon is a role model of an out-of – school youth who strived to become a productive farmer. He is a member of the 4-H club and other farmer associations in his Municipality. He attended various trainings of LGU, PLGU and DA-ATI which opened up opportunities for him, such as the adoption of the Integrated Farming System. Out of his farm income, he was able to send his brother to school and to enable his younger sister to get a college degree. He also bought a tricycle for his brother that became the source of additional family income.
FARMER CATEGORY JOSE E. AMADOR FARMER GOLD AWARDEE, GUINLAJON, SORSOGON Jose E. Amador (Tio Nono) from Guinlajon, West District, Sorsogon City is a pioneer Pili Farmer who is probably the best and most prolific producer of export-quality Pili in the country. With humble beginnings as a calamansi farmer, he boldly ventured into organic Pili Plant production, using his own concoction of organic materials as natural fertilizer for his plants. An advocate and practitioner of organic farming, he is also into vermi culture and has successfully produced Vermi Tea from Vermi casts to spray on plants to make them pest-resistant. His practice of sustainable and integrated farming has enabled him to go into many other farming ventures such as livestock farming and dairy production. He is also into the preservation of Bio-Diversity in his locale and is an avid caretaker of the environment.
ARTURO D. PASACAS GENESIS T. OCAPAN ISIDRO C. BACANI SILVER AWARDEE, SILVER AWARDEE, SILVER AWARDEE, CALBAYOG CITY, SAMAR ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR SAN GABRIEL, LA UNION Troy’s pioneering socio Genesis’ company - Ocopan’s He organized the farmers of economic projects like Enterprise, promotes Bunnuang and established the Container Gardening and bio-diversity and provides Bunuang Farmers Association. Gulayan sa Paaralan have livelihood in his community. The Association has greatly emphasized community He shares his knowledge and helped farmers to acquire values in planting and caring innovations with other agri- the knowledge they need to for the environment. entrepreneurs that helps other improve their livelihood. local farmers. ROMEO S. PIDOC FREDIMOR G. PUEBLOS JUAN C. MANCAO SILVER AWARDEE, SILVER AWARDEE, SILVER AWARDEE, TALISAY, CAMARINES NORTE KAPATAGAN, LANAO DEL NORTE LALA, LANAO DEL NORTE Through hard work and He adopts a rice-based farming Juan “John” Mangcao of Lala, dedication, Romeo became a system which integrates rice Lanao del Norte is a civil engineer successful farmer. He is now farming with poultry and other graduate who ventured into a major supplier of seeds in crops. His products are well farming to provide a better life Camarines Norte. Farming known because they are for his community. He used his indeed helped Romeo to chemical-free. He uses only experience as an engineer to provide for his family and to organic/natural fertilizers in his improve his farm and develop help his community. farm. ingenious ways to trap pests.
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HALL OF FAME AWARDEES
ROWENA ZANORIA • Agri-Entrepreneur, Brgy. Adlaon, Cebu City
Rowena Zanoria has been in the farming business since the 1980. She started out with owning a sari-store but the need for a better source of income made her go into farming and she hasn’t stopped since. Her main product is sweet corn but she also grows ampalaya, eggplant, cauliflower and ginger. In 1995, She started supplying vegetables to Metro Gaisano Chains, she has also been supplying her sweet corn in cities like Cagayan de Oro, Pagadian, Ozamis, Dumaguete, Maasin, Tacloban and Bacolod. Through her dedication and hard work, she was given an award by the City of Cebu with the Most Outstanding Agri-Entreprneur in 2010. Mommy Z, as she is known by most in her industry has made her business a sustainable venture. She has created a constant demand for her products selling them to institutional buyers while ensuring that her deliveries are of good quality. Her business has also given livelihood opportunities in her community.
NIA REGION 4 EMPLOYEES MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE (NEMCO) • Agri-Cooperative, Brgy. Labui, Pila, Laguna
NEMCO opened in 2009 to offer inputs, pesticides, insecticides, and other products to local farmers at lower prices in the vicinity. It was put up for farmers who availed of the Rice Production Loan given by the cooperative. NEMCO also offers credit services to local farmers (with up to 19 years of loans). Borrowers may also use their loans for small businesses, crop and livestock production, buy and sell activities and other livelihood projects. The loans can also be used to send children to school, pay hospital bills and buy household appliances, computers and other products. NEMCO has an online ticketing service for NIA employees who are frequent business travelers and also for employees who want to travel The organization also conducts Medical missions and blood letting programs to give back to the community. Through the years it has been the recipient of various awards and recognitions -- proof of its impact on the community.
FELOMINA H. JANIVA • Woman Farmer, Brgy, Malinao, Narra, Palawan
Felomina Janiva has long been a model farmer in her community for her expertise and knowledge in integrated farming. She practices the use of organic fertilizers made from materials found in her own farm, employing an integrated pest management system that uses materials within their vicinity. She has won multiple awards in farming. In 2006, she was named Model Farmer of the Year 2006 by the Mayor of Narra. In 2008, she was chosen as a “Magsasakang Siyentista ng Narra” for her success and expertise in integrated farming. She still regularly attends trainings and seminars to keep herself updated. As a Magsasakang Siyentista, Felomina considers it an honor to be a part of the advancement of agriculture technology. As a Magsasakang Siyentista, she is very willing and open to share her knowledge in integrated farming methods and technologies to other farmers and organizations that want to learn from her ‘model’ farm.
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OF SAN MATEO, ISABELA • Local Government Unit
San Mateo is an agricultural municipality. Ninety-percent of its population depends on agriculture as its main source of livelihood and income. It is also known as a producer of quality seeds of rice and munggo in the region and the host to seed laboratories catering the whole region. Poultry/livestock and fish production are also widely practiced in the municipality. The LGU has virtually ensured the future of agriculture in the municipality by encouraging the youth to learn farming. It has been named Rice Achiever by the Department of Agriculture for three consecutive years. They used the prize money to buy a 1.7 hectare of land which they named “Agricultural Learning Farm.” It will be the venue for all agricultural research and studies of farmers and agriculture students in San Mateo.
ROCAPOR FAMILY • Family Farmer, Rosario, La Union
Lando, a Chief Mechanic of a traffic firm started a farm with his wife, Cristina. They have rice, corn, dragon fruit and papaya production in their farm. They also do cattle fattening and goat raising. Besides farming, the couple encourage women in the community to engage in livelihood projects, with Lando sharing his knowledge and expertise on how to manage a farm and process meat and fish.Their two children. Christine joy and Robert, also help out with the farming activities. Christine Joy inherited the love for farming from her parents and is currently enrolled at the College of Agriculture at the DMMMSU, Rosario , La Union Campus. ATI chose the Rocapor Family Farm as “Learning Site” and part of the Capability Building Training Program where an avenue for young farmers/scholars is established so they can acquire knowledge and skills in integrated farming technologies via a combination of hands-on/home-stay and lectures.
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SORSOGON City, Feb. 2, 2015 – A septuagenarian farmer, who pioneered grafted pili agriculture in the country in 1987 bagged The Outstanding 72-YEAR OLD Farmers of the Philippines (TOFARM) 2014 top prize during the awards night at the Shangri-La Manila on Jan. 30. Jose E. Amador, who was able PILI GROWER to send his two children to college by running a pili farm, was declared TOFARM 2014 Farmer of the Year for growing crops that can bear fruit for DECLARED over a hundred years without fertilizer and pesticides.
According to the former public utility driver, pili is a centenarian tree, which ‘FARMER OF grows and bears fruits without human intervention. “All they do is give you fruits for a century, unlike my lemon trees that need replanting after about THE YEAR’ 10 years,” he said. “This is the ideal crop for the climate in Sorsogon with BY MAB GABAGAT year-round rainfall, and for my age.”
The pili tree releases resin from its branches, trunk, and leaves that kills weeds that compete for nutrients in the soil, said Esteven D. Garcia, an agriculturist in the province. Garcia described Amador’s agriculture, which earned the province national recognition, as “pioneering, organic, innovative, and sustainable” — something that other local farmers could replicate.
Funding education Amador sells his de-pulped pili at PhP 40.00 a kilo to pili nut processors in Sorsogon. His 800 trees give him 300 to 500 kilos of de-pulped pili 72-year old Jose E. Amador is declared TOFARM in a month. 2014 Farmer of the Year. Amador, a former public utility driver, farms a 12-hectare pili farm His two children were able to study medicine and marketing because of in barangay Guinlajon, Sorsogon City. profit earned from growing pili nuts on the Amadors’ 12-hectare farm in barangay Guinlajon, Sorsogon City.
Eight fully mature pili trees can fund a child’s college education, Garcia added.
Amador led the other 55 awardees of TOFARM, which is a joint project of the Junior Chamber International, Philippines Area 5 and Universal Harvester, Inc. (UHI) that aims to inspire, identify, and recognize outstanding farmers in the Philippines. PIONEERING, INNOVATIVE Dr. Milagros Ong How, UHI Executive Vice President, said: “We want “For 27 years, my pili trees did not need fertilizer,” to show our farmers that support for them is always present, and that he said. “No pest has infested [them], except for the their efforts will always be recognized and put to good use.” ants I found later. Good for them.”
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The third successful year of The Search and Award for The Outstanding Farmers of the Philippines The Harvest of Victories
The Outstanding Farmers of the Philippines (TOFARM) of 2014 feted 41 group and individual farmers from across the country for their exemplary agricultural practices, useful farming innovations, valuable systems, and successful initiatives at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel on January 30.
Mr. Jose E. Amador, a farmer from Sorsogon who pioneered grafted pili farming in the country in 1987, garnered the major award and was declared TOFARM of 2014 Most Outstanding Farmer.
Amador, 72, a recipient of Magsasakang Siyentista Award in 2006, integrates not less than 800 pili trees with about 1, 000 coconut trees, milking cows, and vegetables in their 12-hectare land in Guinlajon, Sorsogon City. Mr. William How and Dr. Mila how together with distinguished guests, Senator Grace Poe, Gov. Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla , and Senator Cynthia Villar. He formulates and makes his own organic fertilizer and pest repellants, practices solid waste segregation, and enforces bio-diversity safeguards in the farm. Others have assimilated farming knowledge and skills through their own researches and the seminars and His integrated and sustainable farming, particularly his trainings they have attended. culture of pili, has earned the interest of the national media. He was featured in Business Mirror, Agriculture (Manila Some of the awardees were initially engaged in ventures Bulletin’s magazine), Living Asia, TV5, and even the Catholic far from what they do best now, like running sari-sari store Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines publication – the and being employed for office work, realizing later that their CBCPNews, after feted TOFARM of 2014 Most Outstanding heart belongs to farming. Farmer. But being late proved to be not too late. TOFARM can Aside from Amador, the Universal Harvester, Inc. (UHI), attest to it. TOFARM sponsor, also conferred awards to 40 other outstanding group and individual farmers in the 12 categories, Others had a bad start. But their deeply rooted passion including Farmer, Family Farmer, Agri-Cooperative, Agri- in growing crops and animals had charged them with fire Innovator, Fisherfolk, Urban/City Farmer, Agri-Entrepreneur, to triumph over their initial failures and rise above future Agri-Initiatives, Woman Farmer, Young Farmer, Livestock, challenges and uncertainties. and Local Government Unit. Their successful and sustainable farming have generated Some of the awardees have coupled their formal education not only livelihood but also regular employment for locals. in various specialized fields of agriculture with their interest Their intensified production helped in achieving and keeping in farming and hard work to succeed. food security for the growing number of Filipinos.
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2014 TOFARM Hall of fame awardees.
2014 TOFARM Special Citation awardees.
The awards night also provided well prepared entertainment for its honored guests, with performances by (from top) The Ryan Cayabyab 2014 TOFARM Agriculture Champions awardees. Singers, Bituin Escalante, and El Gamma Penumbra.
“The recipient of this highest honor given by TOFARM Three years ago, when the JCIP and UHI planted the symbolizes the efforts of our farmers to find, develop seed of TOFARM, they embarked on identifying and and harness excellent methods and processes,” said Dr. honoring excellence and innovation among farmers. Milagros Ong How, UHI Executive Vice President. “That excellence remains our nation’s assurance that there will Just like the farmer who is always met with uncertainty, be enough food for our people.” TOFARM has relied on three things, How said during the awards night. It has believed in the power of shared The theme “Bagong Ani, Bagong Tagumpay” (Fresh dream. It has not been sure how much the harvest would Harvest, New Victory) for TOFARM of 2014 was just fitting be, and when it would be. to the soul of the Filipino farmer, she said. But it has believed the soil is fertile, and that all was “It speaks of two things that are close to our hearts, and required was the harness of soil to bear fruits. to that of the Filipino farmer: “ani” . . . at “tagumpay,” How said. “Harvest. And . . . victory.” “We set out in search for farmers and fisherfolk who embody excellence and innovation,” she said. “We found “To all of us, those two words mean . . . hope. “Pag-asa,” them. We recognized their achievements. We enshrined she said. “It also means . . . faith… “Tiwala.” “Believing their accomplishments in TOFARM’s honor roll.” in something that we are yet to see. And despite the fact that it is something beyond our vision, we take the first The JCIP and UHI, however, saw that the award itself steps that are within our human abilities.” was not the goal of TOFARM. There was something more than honoring outstanding farmers.
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The 2014 TOFARM Awards venue was prepared with lavish presentation with colorful harvest themes all for the farmers and special guests.
The 2014 TOFARM Awards was graced with record numbers, with more than 600 combined guests, honorees, supporters, farmers, LGUs, and NGOs in attendance. “Their presence is proof that our food production sector is powered “TOFARM is simply a means; a mechanism; a tool,” How said. “It is a way of inspiring the rest of the agriculture sector.” by the passion and excellence Three years after it’s re-launched in 2012, the JCIP and UHI have of women; of young people; of already achieved their common goal. farmers with a strong sense of social “Our success has been made sweeter by the fact that many of our entrepreneurship; of families who see TOFARM honorees are now our partners in this mission,” she said. “This is the assurance that the cause TOFARM espouses will live on their farms both as an heirloom and for many years.” an enterprise; of local governments The TOFARM awardees continue and even refine their agriculture which continue to serve our local in their respective communities; sharing with fellow farmers the producers; of our innovators; knowledge, skills, and technologies that brought them this far; inspiring others to excel; and encouraging every farmer to remain of men and women who have true to their noble calling, How said. cemented the place and role of the “TOFARM’s true value will be measured by what it has done to help agriculture sector as the foundations the poor,” she said. of our country’s present, and of our “The answer is TOFARM’s Back-To-Farm program for typhoon country’s future.” Yolanda farmer survivors in Leyte, she said. Pope Francis once spoke before the Filipinos and explained the Dr. Milagros Ong-How meaning of compassion, she said. Compassion as the Pontiff put it,
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Ina Alejandro and Bob Belacura, Jr. hosting the Senator Cynthia Villar, Guest Speaker for the 2014 TOFARM Awards Keynote Speaker, awards program. 2014 TOFARM Awards Senator Grace Poe.
Recognition of the TOFARM 2014 Preliminary Dr. Mila How together with the TOFARM 2014 Mr. William How honoring UHI’s various Kabalikat Judges during the awards night. Board of Judges. Partners from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The 2014 TOFARM Awards night was also graced by the presence of Mr. Willam & Mila How’s family members. (From left) Jerbie Sheldon Ong, Diana Darlene How, William How, Jr., Deborah Dorene How-Tan, and John Oliver Tan.
goes beyond just digging into one’s pocket handing over some cash to the poor.
“It means being one with their suffering and doing something to alleviate it,” she said.
The JCIP and UHI, rushed to typhoon Yolanda farmer survivors in Leyte after it struck the province, leaving massive destruction to their lives and agriculture.
“We did not simply dip into our pockets” she said. “Beyond that, we stayed to help them bring their farms back to life; to help them rebuild their lives; and later on, to inspire them to help other similarly-situated farmers rebuild theirs.”
Graced by lady Senators Cynthia Villar and Grace Poe, the TOFARM of 2014 awards night saw about 500 attendees, including the awardees themselves, their families, and other guests.
The UHI has expressed gratitude to JCIP for re-launching TOFARM in 2012, for its commitment to help identify and recognize outstanding farmers, and for joining the company in its campaign to motivate every farmer to share their best to agriculture. As the event near its end, Program Director Rommel Cunanan closes the program with an inspiring note and toast together with Mr. William How, Dr. Mila How, and Dr. Luis Rey Velasco for a successful 2014 awards night.
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TOFARM 2014 UNDER FAMILY FARMER WINNERS TOFARM 2014 AGRI-INITIATIVES WINNERS From left: Nestor C. Acosta & Family, Benito P. Travilla & Family, and From left: Bubuyan Elementary School, Carael Elementary School, and Daniel & Remia Apostol & Family. San Isidro Upper Rural Improvement Club & Women’s Association.
TOFARM 2014 LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT WINNERS TOFARM 2014 AGRI-COOPERATIVE WINNERS From left: City Government of Calamba, Gulayan at Bulaklakan of From left: Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives Barangay Holy Spirit, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of Sorsogon, (NMFDC), and Good Samaritan Multi-Purpose Cooperative. and Municipal Government of Tabina, Zamboanga Del Sur.
TOFARM 2014 FISHERFOLK WINNERS TOFARM 2014 LIVESTOCK WINNERS From left: Ludovico R. Villanueva, Danilo A. Santos, From left: Arnulfo B. Corpuz, Delia C. Dejan, and Vallie J. Baricanosa. and Arcadio F. De Belen, Jr.
TOFARM 2014 URBAN FARMER WINNERS TOFARM 2014 AGRI-INNOVATOR WINNERS From left: Ronie A. Maloloy-On, Danilo M. Agliam, From left: Rodolfo C. Tuanqui, Carlos S. Dela Cruz, and Elizabeth A. Garceron. and Ariston D. Calvo.
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TOFARM 2014 AGRI-ENTREPRENEUR WINNERS TOFARM 2014 Young Farmer winners. From left: Abraham A. Flores, Lucrecia M. Neri, Alberto C. Calsada, From left: Alex O. Aborita, and Christopher E. Balquin. and Troy D. Bumagat.
TOFARM 2014 WOMAN FARMER WINNERS From left: Agnes M. Asuncion, Desiree B. Duran, and Cresencia M. Tuiza.
DR. MILA HOW, MR. LUCIO TABING, AND SENATOR VILLAR TOGETHER WITH THE FINAL HONOREES AND WINNERS FOR THE 2014 FARMER CATEGORY, HEADED BY JOSE AMADOR.
From left: Isidro C. Bacani, Juan C. Mancao, Romeo S. Pidoc, Jose E. Amador, Genesis T. Ocapan, Arturo D. Pasacas, and spouse of Fredimor G. Pueblos, Mrs. Virginia C. Pueblos.
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BACK-TO-FARM
TOFARM VILLAGES: Forging strong public-private partnership and ushering farmers towards Agri-Enterpreneurship By Chelo N. Maderazo, Provincial Agriculture Office, Province of Leyte
Enthusiasm and the need to live and let live. These are In the same manner, the Provincial Government of Leyte qualities that never left the farmers of Leyte after super set on stream its Highland Compact Farming for High Value typhoon Yolanda brought widespread devastation and Vegetables and Fruitcrops where it provided trainings, claimed many lives in November 8, 2013. additional farm inputs and technical assistance to upland vegetable growers in various municipalities in Leyte. This Farmers suffered a lot from the calamity. Some veered away move gained more support from the JCIP/UHI and other from agriculture while others left their farms to start life anew government agencies. in other places. However, many still believed that farming was the best livelihood opportunity hence, utilizing whatever was Culminating a season-long of nurturing, the first TOFARM left, they were back in the fields after a few days. harvest festival was held in April 30, 2014 at Villaconzoilo. Bountiful harvests from the two TOFARM Villages were A week after Yolanda, JCI Philippines (JCIP) and the Universal showcased with the farmers’ tales of gratitude and victory Harvester Inc. (UHI) led by Dr. Milagros How, UHI executive over life’s hardship as typhoon survivors. Attended by Dr. vice president, conducted relief operations as well as farm How herself, who braved the distance to personally witness surveys in hard-hit areas in Leyte. Seeing the need to help the start of the farmers’ transformation from mere producers farmers revive their main income source and bring back the to budding entrepreneurs, she decided to spread out the lush vegetation in their farms, Dr. How conceived the “Balik- villages by taking in two more villages. This time in Barangays Saka” program (Back to Farm) for the province. Caglawaan in Jaro and Binongtoan in Alangalang.
On December 28, 2013, Barangays Villaconzoilo in Jaro and While the first two villages have already undergone their Villa Corazon in Burauen received high value vegetable seeds trainings on high value vegetable production, the new and farm tools from TOFARM Chief Advocate Dr. Milagros ones lacked the technical know-how. With support of the How to start their vegetable production projects. Both are Provincial Government of Leyte through Governor Leopoldo upland areas with vast potential for commercialization. Before Dominico Petilla, a season-long training for high value Typhoon Yolanda, farmers in Villaconzoilo earn as much as vegetables and fruitcrops was conducted for the two villages. three to five thousand pesos per week during peak harvest. These trainings which runs for four months is a lecture- One time, a farmer earned P120,000 from his watermelon discussion-practicum method which provides knowledge and which enabled him to buy a car and build a new house for skills to farmers from land preparation, nursery establishment, his family. Meanwhile, Villa Corazon farmers were wallowing fertilization and water management, nutrient management, in poverty earning as much as five hundred to one thousand pruning, pest and diseases control, farm record keeping, pesos a month from rootcrops and coconuts. harvesting, postharvest technologies and marketing.
Dubbed as TOFARM Villages, they were ably supported The TOFARM Villages not only stirred government-private- with fertilizers, farm tools, trainings, Lakbay Aral from the farmer participation as it brought forth more people willing to Balik-Saka program with technical assistance from the Leyte take their parts in pushing Leyte’s vegetable industry to the Provincial Agriculture Office. next level.
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BACK-TO-FARM Our Bayanihan Model (pay-it-forward) BALIK-SAKA TOFARM adopted community PROGRAM
Application Without doubt, the agriculture and fisheries sectors suffered and Nomination enormous destruction from the wrath of typhoon Yolanda in Process 2013. Based on our initial assessment of the situation of these sectors in the province of Leyte, affected families will find it Selection and Screening extremely difficult to get back on track without the support of Process both the government and the private sector. Farms were totally washed out and crop devastation is massive. Fishing vessels Awarding of were destroyed grounding fisher folks. Poultries and piggeries Farm Input: were levelled to the ground. Unattended, the agriculture and • Seeds fisheries sector will not be able to recover immediately to support • Fertilizers the local economy and meet the province’s requirements for • Farm Tools food production. Agriculture, after all, is the main industry of the • Carabao Province of Leyte.
PLANTING This situation led TOFARM to conceptualize the Back-To-Farm (Balik-Saka) project.
Technical GROWING Assistance provided by LGU Agriculturist BACK-TO-FARM & NGO Volunteers BACK-TO-FARM (or Balik-Saka) is a joint-project of Universal HARVESTING Harvester, Inc. and JCI Philippines. Our main goal is to assist in rehabilitating and improving the productivity of farm communities in areas affected by super typhoon Yolanda.
Our primary objectives are:
1 Facilitate the provision of basic necessities, such as food, shelter and clothing for qualified beneficiaries, in coordination GRADUATION with government and concerned non-government organizations Sustainability operating in the area of the qualified beneficiaries; 2 Provide technical assistance and inputs that will enable farm community beneficiaries to resume agriculture activities at the Adoption soonest possible time; of New Communities 3 Introduce solutions and technologies to increase productivity and improve the living conditions of the farmer-family Infinite possibilities beneficiaries; and,
Institute measures to sustain the benefits of the project.
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Dr. How showed her great heart for Leyte through her new BAYANIHAN IN ACTION ideas, hands-on monitoring of progress, frequent visits and LAND PREPARATION audience with the farmers as well as including them in the UHI Lakbay Aral programs outside the province.
The graduation and harvest festival of the two new villages was held on September 30, 2014 at Binongtoan, Alangalang. It coincided with the turn-over of DA’s Barangay Food Terminal where it teemed with vegetables like lettuce, eggplant, tomato, sweet pepper, watermelon, carrots, ampalaya, and many more from the TOFARM villages. Dr. How expressed her unwavering support for Leyte farmers and decided to adopt more TOFARM barangays with the same assistance provided to them. Three more villages were added to wit: Brgy. Tagadtaran in Burauen, Brgy. Daro in Jaro and the San Pablo-Quezon Farmers Association (SAQUEFA) in Tabontabon. The latter is in cacao production.
Monitoring and feedback mechanism are provided by PLANTING, GROWING, personnel from the Provincial Agriculture Office consisting of AND HARVESTING STAGE monthly reports, actual field visits and documentation.
TOFARM Villages have made a name for themselves. During agri, aqua and trade fairs conducted by the Provincial Government of Leyte and other agencies, there is always a separate booth for their products. As provincial agriculturist Rogelio Portula put it, “we depend on the quality of their produce and the commitment of these villages to sustain Leyte’s vegetable production.”
As a typhoon-prone province, TOFARM Villages also suffered the brunt of Typhoons Glenda, Ruby, Seniang and Amang. These weather disturbances really brought down their production.
On November 6, 2014, TOFARM Program Director Rommel Cunanan met with officers of the seven TOFARM Villages which were now registered associations at the Department of Labor and Employment. In this meeting, Cunanan echoed Dr. How’s desire to adopt more villages in the Province of Leyte. This was a welcome respite for the Province considering the numerous requests from the municipalities for skills training on vegetables production and provision of farm inputs.
Hence, on November 13, ten barangays were added to the growing TOFARM family, to wit: Canhandugan, Jaro Tombo, Alangalang Alahag, Jaro Malobago, Jaro Mercaduhay, Tabontabon Calogcog, Tanauan Pago, Tanauan La Granja Farmers Association, Bagacay, Tacloban City Kiling, Mac Arthur Villa Magsaysay, Babatngon
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BALIK-SAKA CURRENT MILESTONES
DECEMBER 27, 2013 LAUNCHING OF TOFARM VILLAGE, VILLA CONZOILO, AND VILLA CONSOLACION, LEYTE The first TOFARM Vilages in Leyte, Villaconzoilo, Jaro and Villa Corazon, Burauen. TOFARM headed by Rommel Cunanan with representative from the Leyte Provincial Agriculture Office handed out high value vegetable seeds to enable beneficiaries resume farming at the soonest possible time.
JANUARY 17, 2014 TOFARM VILLAGE, BRGY. VILLA CONZOILO, JARO, LEYTE TOFARM with Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla meeting with Villaconzoilo farmers regarding further interventions to rehabilitate and develop their farms.
APRIL 30, 2014 TOFARM HARVEST & GRADUATION PROGRAM Villaconzoilo, Jaro, Leyte.
APRIL 30, 2014 ADOPTION AND AWARDING OF SEEDS PROGRAM Barangay Caglawaan, Jaro, Leyte.
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The launching of the new TOFARM Villages was graced by Dr. Millagros How, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla, PA Portula and restaurant owners in Tacloban who were amazed at the quality of the farmers’ products and expressed their interest to do business with them.
Inspired by the farmers’ enthusiasm, JUNE 6, 2014 ADOPT A FARMER PROGRAM Villa Corazon, Leyte. Dr. How, a month after brought thirty farmers and three OPA personnel to China for technology exposure.
Presently, Leyte is bent on establishing market linkages with investors considering the forty-five vegetable growers associations which are also TOFARM Villages, all producing quality high value vegetables and fruitcrops. Local restaurant owners and department stores are now regular customers of these farmers.
These associations have recently been federated and ready for SEC SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 TOFARM HARVEST & GRADUATION PROGRAM registration. Leading the group is Alex Binongtoan, Alangalang, Leyte. Aborita with most of the officers and members of the board coming from the TOFARM Villages.
In a recent development, federation officers met with the Ms. Carlyn Salud and Sharon Fuentebella of Max’s Restaurant (146 stores worldwide) in Manila for a marketing agreement in the next months.
In keeping with the TOFARM spirit which directs these villages to adopt two barangays each, new TOFARM Villages will soon contribute to the growing number of farmers who are DECEMBER 18, 2014 TOFARM VILLAGE ADOPT-A-FARMER PROGRAM LAUNCH determined to increase their incomes As part of the continuing BALIKSAKA program, the Adopt-A-Farmer program aims to assist the and improve the quality of their lives. rehabilitation, improvement and productivity of farm communities in Barangay Magdalena, Laguna. This March 2015, 153 more TOFARM villages are starting their activities, estimating the total beneficiaries to around 40,000 individuals.
FROM RIGHT: Federation officers with Gov. Mic Petilla and representatives of Max’s Restaurant in Manila during a meeting for possible marketing agreement in the next few months.
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SEARCH AND AWARD FOR THE OUTSTANDING FARMERS OF THE PHILIPPINES
THE TOFARM COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Dr. Milagros Ong-How Marlo Atilano Rommel Cunanan JB Cabanlet Johnmar Cortes John Paul Demontano Daryl Gumabao Sonny Guingab Ruby Pascual FINAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF JUDGES TOGETHER WITH THE PRELIMINARY JUDGES Carol Sison Makati Shangri La, January 6, 2015. Dr. Mila How together with the judges after completing the meticulous task of selecting the top winners for the 2014 TOFARM Awards. Arvin Villa
VOLUNTEERS Jefrey Atienza Richard Arambulo Allan Estanislao Benjie Eugenio Dennis Garlit Loren Legaspi Angela Quinto COMMITTEE PROGRAMS AND LOGISTICS PREPARATION Joshua Schwartz Program Director Rommel Cunanan preparing for the programs and technical requirements together with Criselda Joya Tabinga John Paul Demontano, Johnmar Cortez, Sonny Guingab and the rest of the production team. Sugar Sallador Arroel Moron Julius Rae Estampador Jeffrey Joe Danda
SECRETARIAT Princess Calma Len Dionaldo Apple Malaga
FINAL PRODUCTION PLAN Director Jorge Sales and Rommel Cunanan leading the team for the final plans and program for the upcomingTOFARM 2014 Awards night.
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Isang Panunumpa:
Bilang isang mamayang Pilipino, nakikiisa ako sa panatang huwag magsayang ng kanin at bigas, magsaing ako ng sapat lamang at sisiguruduhing tama ang pagkakaluto nito.
Kukuha ako ng kaya kong ubusin upang sa aking pinggan ay walang matirang kanin, ganun din ang aking gagawin kung may handaan o kung sa labas ako kakain.
Ang brown rice o pinawa ay susubukan kong kainin pati na ang ibang pagkain bukod sa kanin tulad ng saba, kamote, at mais.
Ituturo ko sa iba ang responsableng pagkunsumo ng mabigyang halaga ang pagod ng mga magsasaka at makatulong na maging sapat ang bigas sa 2 Messages Pilipinas. 3 About UHI, and TOFARM Aking isasapuso ang panatang ito 4 About the Benefactor dahil sa bawa’t butil ng bigas o kanin na aking matitipid ay may buhay na masasagip. 5 Board of Judges 8 Preliminary Judges
Para sa karagdagang detalye: 10 The Agri-Champions 11 Special Citation www.tofarm.org 12 Kabalikat Partners
TOFARM Secretariat Office 14 The 2014 Group Awardees HCC, 10th Floor, 158 P. Tuazon Boulevard corner 7th Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, 1109 Philippines 16 The 2014 Individual Awards Tel. No. (632) 709-5001 to 02, Fax No. (632) 709-5006 20 Hall of Fame Awardees Mobile: Smart 0947-6884404 • Globe 0905-4555095 Website: www.tofarm.org • Email: [email protected] 21 Feature Story: 72-year old pili grower declared UNIVERSAL HARVESTER, INC. HCC, 10th Floor, 158 P. Tuazon Boulevard corner 8th Avenue, ‘Farmer of the Year’ Cubao, Quezon City, 1109 Philippines 22 The Harvest of Victories Trunkline: (632) 995-8888 Website: www.universal harvester.org 26 Back-To-Farm (BALIK SAKA) Email: [email protected] 29 TOFARM Committee 2014
SEARCH AND AWARD FOR THE OUTSTANDING FARMERS OF THE PHILIPPINES