ISSN 2599-493XJanuary - June 2018

Vol. 1 Issue 2

The official publication of the Agricultural Training Institute-Cordillera Administrative Region

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Contents

WEAVERS is the official semestral publication of the Agricultural Training Institute-Cordillera Administrative Region (ATI-CAR).

This publication contains articles on the latest news relating to or about the training activities, technologies, updates, and success stories of the Institute and its clients.

WEAVERS welcomes comments and suggestions from readers.

Cordillera’s Cosmic Pride in organic Agriculture: The Rogel Marsan and Family Story

ATI-CAR, DA-RFO-CAR, TESDA-CAR Ink MOA, Collaboration in Agri Extension and Training Programs Underscored

ATI Engages Youth in Food Production, 4-H Garden in the School

ExPAND Program Now Operational, LGU Sablan Takes the First Bite

Learning through Sharing: ATI-CAR & DA-RFO-CAR GAP Learning Site on Agriculture Farmers Benchmark at Each Other’s Farms

More FITS Centers Launched in Abra

Secretary Piñol Fastracks Credit Service for Farmers, Lauds Benguet Farmers for a 100% Credit Repayment

DA USec Puyat Graces ASPIRE Launching for CAR

BAHW: Bringing Animal Health Services Closer to the Grassroots in the Cordillera Administrative Region

ATI-CAR and partners collaborate in building climate resilient livelihoods in Kapangan as climate change adaptation strategy

Farm Families Towards Sustainable Organic Agriculture

KAMMP Mentees Hurdle Business Plan Preparation and Presentation, Emerge as Graduates

Reintroducing Agriculture to the Cordillera Youth: CAR 4-H’ers Graduate from Adopt a Farm Youth Program

Loving Farming, Living the Heritage: CAR 4-H’ers Go for Agri-Tourism at the 2018 CAR Regional Farm Youth (4-H) Convention

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PRODUCTION TEAM:

Editor: Maximino R. Aromin, Jr.Writers: Adrian Chris P. Velasco, Jaila S.Sagpa-ey, Resley Ann G. Sumedca and Maximino R. Aromin, Jr.Layout: Bongbong L. Buli-eCirculation: Administrative and Finance Services Unit

Adviser: Dr. Arlene L. Flores, Training Center Director

For inquiries, please contact:

Agricultural Training InstituteCordillera Administrative RegionBSU Compd., La Trinidad, BenguetTel. Nos. 074-422-7460; 074-422-2375email: ati_car@yahoo.com

Cordillera’s Cosmic Pride in Organic Agriculture:

The Rogel Marsan and Family Story

Cosmic! is what best describes this family’s achievements in the field of organic agriculture. Probably, it is the first time in the history of the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) that a farmer and his family, were recognized as achievers in the national level for three (3) consecutive years (2015-2017) and recently, at the regional level.

That is why the Cordillera Administrative Region takes great pride for this family’s achievements in the field of organic agriculture. He is no other than Mr. Rogel A. Marsan and Family. Together they manage their farm enterprise called Cosmic Farm.

The Family as a Company

The Marsan family lives in Brgy. Caban, Beckel, La Trinidad, Benguet. Mang Rogel, the father, finished several short/vocational courses that included auto-diesel mechanic at Ryan Technical School, computer data entry at Data Center, and community organizing at the UPLB. Mr. Rogel serves as the overall manager of the Farm. He is married to Florence who is a BS Accountancy graduate and a skilled food processor. She manages the food processing component of the farm.

They are blessed with six children. The eldest is Rohinil, also a graduate of accountancy, thus serving as the bookkeeper and treasurer of the farm. The second is Aratil, a graduate of BS Hotel and Restaurant Management and a Master in Business Administration, who serves as the marketing officer. The third is Rohit, a graduate of Organic Agriculture as a course, who serves as the farm technician. The fourth is Jaya, followed by Pramila then Prabhat Ranjan. All three, are still studying in college but lend a hand in the farm during weekends, holidays and their vacation period. Aratil has a daughter named Glitainjall, who at her young age also helps in the farm.

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ATI Engages Youth in Food Production, 4-H Garden in the School

In support to the agenda of Secretary Pinol to reintroduce Agriculture in the school system particularly to elementary and high school students for them to develop interest to engage in farming/gardening, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) implements the “4-H Garden in the School” program.

The objective of the program is to promote food security in schools and communities through self-help food production activities and instill values and appreciation of agriculture as a life support system among learners. The program is similar to the Programang Gulayan of the Department of Agriculture, however, the “4-H Garden in the School” caters to schools with organized 4-H clubs or those who are willing to organize an in-school 4-H club with at least 20 members. Preferably, the schools should be under the 4th-5th class municipalities and in far- flung areas.

Under the program, selected schools will establish and maintain a garden showcasing preferably organic agriculture and urban gardening technologies and practices. Harvests will be primarily used to feed the students especially those who cultivated and maintained the garden. Excess harvests can be marketed and the income can be used to fund

a feeding program of the school or to sustain the program.

The ATI will provide technology trainings on crop production and postharvest to the 4-H members including values formation. For recipient schools without 4-H clubs, they will be oriented and required to establish one. ATI will provide support in the form of farm inputs, tools and basic facilities worth one hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00). Sustainability of the program will be the responsibility of the school. A field day will be scheduled to showcase and promote the program.

In ATI-Cordillera Administrative Region, Mr. Jener B. Dizon, ATI-CAR’s 4-H Focal Person, identified the following schools as initial recipients of the program: 1) Banao National High School in Bauko, Mt. Province; 2) Lamut High School in Lamut, Ifugao; 3) San Pablo Elementary School in Tabuk City, Kalinga; 4.) Marag Valley Elementary School in Luna, Apayao; and 5) Tinoc Central School in Tinoc, Ifugao. These schools are schedule to be trained in June, 2018. (MRAromin Jr.)

ATI-CAR, DA-RFO-CAR, TESDA-CAR Ink MOA, Collaboration in Agri Extension and Training Programs Underscored

La Trinidad, Benguet. The relatedness of training and extension interventions involving the Agricultural Training Institute – Cordillera Administrative Region (ATI-CAR), Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office – CAR (DA-RFO-CAR), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – CAR (TESDA-CAR) paved the way for the three agencies to formalize their involvements through a memorandum of agreement (MOA). Specifically, they agreed to collaborate in resource-sharing, curriculum development, assessment and certification of skilled workers, technical-vocational education and training (TVET) and capability building programs of personnel.

The formalization of the collaborative efforts was a result of a meeting initiated by TESDA-CAR Regional Director Efren F. Piňol with the DA-RFO-CAR, and the ATI-CAR on November 9, 2017. The DA-RFO-CAR was represented by Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Research and Regulations Cameron P. Odsey while DA-ATI-CAR was represented by Center Director Arlene L. Flores. It was then agreed that succeeding meeting will be on December 15, 2017 to work on the details of the collaborative activity.

In the second meeting hosted by ATI-CAR, possible areas of collaboration were identified. The technical working group (TWG) composed of representatives from the three offices was also formed. It was also agreed that a MOA

governing the collaborative effort shall be drafted by the TESDA-CAR. In attendance were the DA-RFO-CAR Regional Executive Director Narciso A. Edillo, RTD for Operation Danilo P. Daguio, and RTD for Research and Regulations Cameron P. Odsey, the TESDA-CAR Regional Director Efren F. Piňol with their provincial directors-Kalinga Director Gabriel A. Cayacay, Mt. Province Director David B. Bugnallon, and other concerned staff and the ATI-CAR.

The succeeding meetings were attended by the members of the TWG to finalize the MOA and eventually, the signing of MOA was done on April 23, 2018 at the ATI-CAR. (ACPVelasco)

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Sablan, Benguet. Intended to support the administration’s thrust of “expanding economic opportunities in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector and increasing access to economic opportunities by small farmers and fishers,” the “Extension Program for Agri-Fishery and National Development (ExPAND): Increasing Productivity of Farmers and Fishers through Agriculture and Fishery Extension Grants” is now being implemented by the ATI. The program provides “catalytic financing for AFE initiatives that are based on the National Extension Agenda and Programs (NEAP) and its related plans such as the AFE Strategic Plan 2017-2022 to encourage extension service providers to participate in the delivery of extension services.”

ExPAND partly addresses the limited resources of extension pillars such as Local Government Units (LGUs), the National Government Agencies (NGAs), the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and the Private Sector in the delivery of effective and efficient extension services. “With this program, ATI can expand its services and provide catalytic fund or grants for the proposed extension programs/projects/activities for priority areas in the provinces and municipalities.”

Based on the guideline, “all grants should support projects/activities that will directly and indirectly benefit farmers and fishers, specifically interventions

that will increase production and productivity. These include trainings along value-adding, diversification, use of high yielding varieties/stock, better crop/postharvest handling and urban agriculture and goat/poultry/broiler production as mentioned by the Secretary.

ATI-CAR’s ExPAND Program consists of two main components: Training and Livelihood Project.

A clearing house composed of the administrative, finance and technical staff of the Center will evaluate submitted proposals. Among the criteria in evaluating municipal level proposals are: 1. potential for AF enterprises based on color-coded maps (10-20 points); 2. number of barangays covered (10-15 pts.); 3. vulnerability to disaster (10-25 pts.); 4. income class (10-25 pts); 5. population of marginalized group (10-15 pts).

Under the Livelihood Support Project component, the municipality of Sablan, Benguet is the recipient based on criteria set; particularly in Barangay Kamog. The Project will be led by Mr. Rony Carlos, an Agricultural Technician, with the support of the Municipal Agriculturist Mr. Ramon Anacioco and Mayor Arthur Baldo.

The project was launched in May 18, 2018 with 80 farmer beneficiaries present. During the launching, Brgy. Captain Leonardo Carpio Mayomis welcomed and thanked the ATI-

CAR for bringing the project to them. He requested everyone to be responsible for the project. Ms. Jam Balingan then briefed the beneficiaries about the program and the series of activities to be implemented.

Mayor Baldo expressed his gratitude saying “We thank ATI for choosing Sablan for this livelihood support project. We really need projects like this because being a 5th class municipality, we cannot address all our needs.. we need support like this and thankfully the project was based on what we really need in the community. As you see there are target implementation dates of this project, I just ask for your cooperation and patience as they will interview for the needed data in our barangay. It is also inevitable that you will be called for a meeting or training. This is part for the success of the project. We make good for this project so that it will be sustained. If we succeed in this project, I’m sure there will be more to come. Again thank you ATI for bringing this project to Sablan.”

Mr. Charlie Sagudan, on behalf of the Center Director, enjoined the commitment and cooperation of the beneficiaries for the success and sustainability of the project.

For more information on the ExPAND program, visit the ATI-CAR. (MRAromin, Jr)

ExPAND Program Now Operational, LGU Sablan Takes the First Bite

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Learning through Sharing: ATI-CAR & DA-RFO-CAR GAP Learning Site on Agriculture Farmers Benchmark at Each Other’s Farms

La Trinidad, Benguet. Six Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) on good agricultural practices (GAP) certified by the Agricultural Training Institute-Cordillera Administrative Region (ATI-CAR) and funded by the DA-Regional Field Office-CAR (DA-RFO-CAR) through its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) embarked on a special learning activity aimed at enhancing their functions as learning sites on agriculture through LSA to LSA learning.

These LSAs are: the Strawberry Garden under the Pines of Mr. Domingo C. Amor Jr at Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet; Dagwat SAVERS Farm of Mr. Brenson L. Dagwat Sr. at Abatan, Buguias, Benguet; Albert’s Farm of Mr. Albert P. Langbayan at

Ambasing, Sagada, Mt. Province; the farm of Mr. Ivan D. Baguilat in Payawan, Lamut, Ifugao; the Green Valley Farm of Mr. Johnny O. Carillo in Macutay, Rizal, Kalinga; and Mr. Ireneo M. Ortega’s farm in Karikitan, Conner, The staff of the DA-RFO-CAR HVCDP led by HVCDP regional focal person Ms. Joan D. Bacbac joined the activity.

The group’s first stop was at the Dagwat SAVERS Farm which produces highland vegetables. Mr. Brenson L. Dagwat, shared his practices and experiences in farming and his transition from conventional to GAP-oriented farming. Mr. Dagwat explained that the acronym “SAVERS” in his farm name actually means “safe vegetables from rich soil.”

The second stop was Sagada, Mt. Province, Mr. Albert P. Langbayan’s farm. Upon arriving in Sagada, Mr. Langbayan brought the group to the coffee processing facility of the Sagada Arabica Coffee Growers and Processors Organization (SACGPO). He is a member of the SACGPO and where he markets his coffee produce. The following day, the group proceeded to Mr. Langbayan’s farm. The farm is mainly planted to oranges integrated with strawberries, dragon fruits, coffee, bananas, and lemons. He also shared his farm practices and experiences in farming which he adopted and localized through the years to suit his farm requirements especially in the production of various crops.

The third stop was the farm of Mr. Ivan Baguilat in Lamut, Ifugao. The farm produces fruits, vegetables, and root crops with dragon fruit as the main product. His farm also integrates various lowland vegetables, sweet potato, cassava, corn, papaya, and pineapple. He likewise highlighted the good agricultural practices he adopted in producing various crops on a hilly and sloping area.

The fourth stop was the Green Valley Farm of Mr. Johnny O. Carillo in Rizal, Kalinga. Mr. Carillo’s main crop is mango integrated with legumes, corn, and various vegetables. In addition to mango production technologies, he narrated how his farm came to be and shared the climate-related challenges in mango production that he

experienced and the mitigation and adaptation measures he employed.

The last stop was the farm of

Mr. Ireneo M. Ortega in Conner, Apayao. The farm is primarily planted to cacao and is employing the sloping agricultural land technology. After visiting some of the farm’s facilities, Mr. Ortega provided a demonstration on cacao grafting.

The activity was concluded through a sharing session where the participants provided their insights, observations, and recommendations on the farms they visited. Mr. Langbayan shared “it is good that we did not just meet as a group but we visited each other’s farm because that is where we learned a lot and validated our individual practices.”

Mr. Carillo added “having fellow farmers specially learning site farmers as visitors in my farm provided me more concrete insights to further improve my farm.” The farm visit started on January 6, 2018 ended on January 12, 2018. (ACPVelasco)

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Secretary Piñol Fastracks Credit Service for Farmers, Lauds Benguet Farmers for a 100%

Credit RepaymentLa Trinidad, Benguet. DA Sec. Emmanuel Piñol encouraged farmers to avail the Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) Program during the Tapatan Forum for Benguet farmers on April 27, 2018.

Secretary Piñol explained that shift to subsidy to credit for farmers will solve the long bidding process that delays delivery of needed inputs; give farmers the freedom to buy what they really need, with the right quality and price; a way to remove political interference, and; will help eliminate corruption.

“Huwag na natin pahirapan pa ang mga magsasaka (let us not burden the farmers anymore),” he said. He plans to establish provincial loan facilitation teams through the ACPC to speed

up the service so that farmers will do nothing but sign the contract. He also wants to forego notarizing the loan contract/document. This is the essence of government service – identifying the right problem then giving and implementing the right solution, he said.

The Secretary was happy and proud for the farmers of Cordillera particularly Benguet for being able to repay 100% of their loans under the PLEA program. As a reward, the Secretary earmarked P50 M pesos in addition to their existing P46 M credit line. He said, if only all farmers can repay 100% of their borrowed money, we will have no problems.

After his talk, Secretary Piñol addressed some of the needs of Benguet farmers ranging from planting materials, to irrigation

support, farm to market roads, hand tractors and multiplier farm for various animals. For the organizations that requested a hefty monetary support, the Secretary advised them to avail of the PLEA program instead.

The Tapatan Forum was held together with the “TIENDA,” a marketing initiative by the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) that started in July 2017. This aims to help farmers and producers sell and promote their products in the market for free. (MRAromin, Jr.)

La Trinidad, Benguet. Three more municipalities in Abra adopted the Techno Gabay Program (TGP) in partnership with the Agricultural Training Institute-Cordillera Administrative Region (ATI-CAR). The municipalities of Lagangilang, Malibcong, and La Paz started implementing the TGP through the launching of their respective Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center.

The municipality of Lagangilang launched its

FITS Center on February 6, 2018 and is the first for this year. It was followed by the municipalities of Malibcong and La Paz on February 17, 2018. The three municipalities now joined the municipalities of San Juan, Villavisiosa, Lagayan, San Isidro, Pilar, Sallapadan, Tineg and Tubo as the municipalities of Abra with FITS Centers. As of February 2018, 11 of the 27 municipalities of Abra adopted the TGP through the ATI-CAR.

During the launching in Lagangilang, Mayor Patrocinio Abaya B. Abaya Jr expressed his full support to the program. He said “the Municipal leadership is in full support to all programs for the agriculture sector.” He added that the launching of the FITS Center is very timely as their municipality is set to celebrate their centennial this year. Moreover, Mr. Gilbert B. Barbero of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of Abra, urged the farmers present to use the FITS Center and spread the word about it. The launching of the FITS Centers of the municipalities of Malibcong and La Paz was also graced by their respective local chief executive and officials.

The FITS Center is part of the extension modality known as the Techno Gabay Program (TGP) initiated by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD). In 2012 the TGP was transferred to the Department of Agriculture specifically the Agricultural Training Institute. The TGP aims to enhance the extension services of the municipal and provincial agriculture offices in the country with emphasis on the generation, adoption, and promotion of science-based technologies at the farmers’ level. (ACPVelasco with reports from JSSagpa-ey)

More FITS Centers Launched in Abra

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The livestock industry is recognized as one of the major source of livelihood in rural communities. It is one of the main sources of income especially for smallholder farmers. Moreover, it is one way of ensuring food security at the community level. Due to its livelihood and food potential it is viewed by many to be effective in reducing poverty.

The sector however is vulnerable to various diseases especially epidemics. This is further complicated by the limited, or worst, zero access to veterinary services especially in the rural areas. This scenario prompted the Department of Agriculture, through the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), to conduct paravet trainings especially for far-flung areas. These trainings are aimed at capacitating leading livestock farmers in rural communities to become Barangay Animal Health Workers (BAHW).

BAHW: Bringing Animal Health Services Closer to the Grassroots in the Cordillera Administrative Region

The BAHW is one of the government approaches to further achieve accurate, fast, efficient and effective delivery of veterinary services at the grassroots level. The BAHWs are volunteer farmers under the supervision of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian. They are trained to help enhance the delivery of basic veterinary services in their respective areas.

The ATI-Cordillera

Administrative Region (ATI-CAR) will conduct one BAHW training for each of the provinces of CAR. To date, two batches of these trainings were already conducted in partnership with the Veterinary Office of the provinces of Abra and Kalinga. The first batch was conducted on April 10 to 11, 2018 in Bangued, Abra with 30

participants. The second batch was implemented on May 16-17, 2018 in Tabuk City, Kalinga with 24 participants. Meanwhile, the BAHW trainings for the provinces of Apayao, Ifugao, and Mountain Province, and the City of Baguio will be conducted in the succeeding months.

During the training, the BAHWs were taught basic veterinary practices. These include basic animal production, animal husbandry practices, and proper care and management of animals. The lessons also included disease detection and surveillance, first aid treatments, vaccinations, de–worming, defluking, and vitamin supplementation. (RGSumedca)

DA USec Puyat Graces ASPIRE Launching for CAR

La Trinidad, Benguet. DA Undersecretary for Agribusiness and Marketing, and Regional Engagement Bernadette Romulo-Puyat graced the launching of the Agribusiness Support for Promotion and Investment in Regional Expositions (ASPIRE) program for the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) on January 24, 2018. In her message Undersecretary Puyat emphasized that the ASPIRE “aims to assist small farmers and producers not only to promote their produce but also to help them become entrepreneurs.” She also stressed the value of fresh agricultural produce as these, though may seem small, also contribute to the economy. However, these are highly valuable in the economy’s industry sector as processed goods because food products compose half of the sector.

Ms. Carolyn C. Castro, the chief of the DA-AMAS Marketing Division explained in her overview of the ASPIRE that the program will run through the convergence of offices within the DA and with other government agencies such

as the DTI, the local government units, and the private sector both at the national and local levels. She explained that the ASPIRE program is “actually an agribusiness and marketing program integrating market development support services to farmers, fisherfolks, small and medium enterprises and other stakeholders.” She also elaborated that the program will be implemented in the local level through the DA regional field offices particularly the agribusiness and marketing assistance divisions (AMAD) in partnership with the program stakeholders.

Present as guests during the launching program were Benguet Governor Crescencio C. Pacalso, DA Assistant Secretary Designate for Agribusiness Andrew B. Villacorta, DA-AMAS OIC Director Cristopher V. Morales, DA-RFO-CAR Regional Executive Director Narciso A. Edillo, Atty. Jesus Antonio Z. Ros of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), Director Myrna P. Pablo of the DTI-CAR, and Mr. Deimler Cuyan, President of the PCCI Baguio-Benguet Chapter.

The participants from the six provinces of CAR were led by their provincial agriculturists namely, Expedito M. Villaruz of Abra; Prudencio G. Bossing of Apayao; Lolita B. Bentres of Benguet; Juliana B. Aclam, the Assistant Provincial Agriculturist of Kalinga; and John K. Likigan of Mt. Province. Aside from the delegates of CAR, representatives from regions 1, 2, 3, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, 5,6,7,8, CARAGA, and ARMM attended the launching activity. There were 470 individuals composed of farmers, entrepreneurs, employees from the national government agencies and local government units, private sector, and media representatives who attended.

Another highlight of the activity is the agricultural trade fair which was also opened by Undersecretary Puyat and Governor Pacalso with the other guests just after the launching program. (ACPVelasco)

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ATI-CAR and partners collaborate in building climate resilient livelihoods in Kapangan as climate change adaptation strategy

Kapangan, Benguet. In support to the Department of Agriculture’s Adaptation and Mitigation Initiatives in Agriculture (DA-AMIA), the ATI-CAR in partnership with DA-RFO CAR, PLGU-Benguet and the Local Government Unit of Kapangan collaborated in establishing climate resilient agriculture and fisheries livelihoods in Balakbak, Kapangan, Benguet. This is part of the project, “Building Agriculture and Fisheries Climate-Resilient Livelihoods and Communities” which is one of the strategies in mainstreaming climate change adaptation and mitigation initiated by the DA-AMIA.

The municipality of Kapangan was chosen based on three criteria. First, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) identified the municipality as one of the most vulnerable areas in the Cordilleras in terms of climate change effects. Second, Kapangan is a 4th class

municipality. Third, the local chief executive Mayor Manny E. Fermin pledged full support to the program.

Barangay Balakbak was chosen because it is composed of seven (7) agricultural sitios namely Tagpaya, Mangga, Buyot, Poblacion, Obellan, Western Legleg and Eastern Legleg. In addition, there is a well-organized farmers’ association (TAMBOLE FA) in the area with over a hundred members that represent the 7 sitios.

The project started with a series of consultation workshops to determine the level of vulnerability of the recipient barangay, the climate change related hazards they are experiencing and their effects to their agriculture and fisheries production and the corresponding livelihood interventions as mitigation strategies.

The Vulnerability Assessment

The project team conducted vulnerability assessment on July 10, 2017 at Barangay Balakbak, Kapangan, Benguet. This was done through Focused Group Discussions (FGD) using the structured questionnaire developed and used by University of the Philippines Los Baños Foundation Incorporated (UPLBFI). This was participated by the selected members of the seven sitios of Balakbak and the TAMBOLE FA, Local Government Unit of Kapangan, Barangay Officials and farmer leaders in the community.

Results showed that Balakbak’s agricultural sector is moderately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change with a vulnerability index of 0.04. Also, most respondents said that the climate-related hazards they experienced in their community in the last 10 years were landslides (87.5%), extreme hot temperatures (87.5%) and heavier

rains (65.63%). Other hazards experienced are more frequent and stronger typhoon (43.75%), flooding, (28.12%) and drought, extreme cold temperature (12.5%). Respondents also said that impacts of these hazards were mostly on damage to crops resulting to low yield and emergence of new pests and diseases.

Identification of Climate Resilient Livelihood Interventions as Adaptation Strategy

On August 1-2, 2018, the project team and recipients identified suitable climate resilient livelihood interventions using hazard mapping and problem tree analysis as tools. Grouped by sitio, respondents identified the climate-related hazards in their localities and their perceived impact to them.

Based on the results, all seven sitios identified common hazards which were rain-induced sinking areas and landslides/soil erosions that damaged their agriculture livelihood. These were primarily caused by the changing climate and the erratic rainfall distribution in their community. They have

observed that extreme weather condition is happening; usually very dry during dry season and very wet during wet season. Impacts of these observations were the following: food shortage, loss of water source both for irrigation and domestic use, reduced planting area, reduced soil fertility, limited agricultural products supply due to closure of roads during landslides and outbreak of pest and diseases resulting to low crop production, all leading to poor income.

Next, the respondents identified their climate resilient livelihood interventions in four categories such as Crops, Livestock, Fishery, Agroforestry and Other livelihood. Under Crops the following livelihood interventions were identified: Green pepper production under tunneling/rain shelter; rootcrop production (cassava, ube, camote, gabi, ginger, peanuts and yam); Organic farming of vegetables under rain shelter (pechay, beans, onion leeks, lettuce, eggplan and tomato). For the Livestock – Hog raising (native or upgraded); Poultry (dual type); duck raising and Goat raising. Small scale tilapia production was identified under

fishery. For the agroforestry – planting of fruit trees (robusta coffee, cacao, rambutan and lanzones); planting of citrus; tiger grass production and bamboo production. Other livelihood projects identified were food/meat processing, fruit and vegetable carving, mushroom production, planting of dragon fruit and riprapping.

Based on the evaluation of identified livelihood interventions, the final interventions were established (blue colored list). The criteria used were: Technical Suitability, Environmental Friendliness, Economic Viability and Gender Sensitivity.

Selection of Individual Beneficiaries and Provision of Support Trainings

Thirty (30) recipients were selected for the piloting of the livelihood projects based on the following criteria: 1) a farmer with an area of at least 250 sq. meter (1 farmer/household); 2) actively participates in the association and project activities; 3) willing to provide counterpart (in terms of labor, etc.); 4) has available housing facility (if the project

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Farm Families Towards Sustainable Organic Agriculture

Lamut, Ifugao. Innovation is one of the Agricultural Training Institute’s strategy in contributing to the attainment of sustainable agriculture in the country. The Agricultural Training Institute-Cordillera Administrative Region (ATI-CAR), alongside other ATI regional training centers, supports this endeavor through innovative extension programs such as the farm family development program. The program was conceptualized considering the importance of the family as the basic social unit of the community. It also recognizes that the strength of farming communities depend largely on the farm family members who work closely and in harmony with each other in managing the daily operations of the farm and the welfare of the home.

The farm family development program is being implemented in CAR through the project “Farm Families Towards Sustaining Organic Agriculture” in Nayon, Lamut, Ifugao. The project was born out of the proposal of the Saint John Parish Credit Cooperative. The Cooperative was established through the initiative of the Saint John Parish of the Episcopal Church of the Philippines. At present it

has 42 members mostly from farming families. Of the 42 members, 15 are organic agriculture practitioners; five of them are certified organic farmers by the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines (OCCP) of which one of them is a certified Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) by the ATI-CAR in 2016.

Every Sunday, the farming families sell their organic products within the church vicinity. Aside from the church goers, many passersby also buy their products since the church is just beside the national road. The expanding marketing activity of the members made the Cooperative realize the need for a more permanent and decent display center. The Cooperative then conceptualized a project proposal and sent it to the ATI-CAR. for review and approval.

The project implementation started with meetings and coordination with the barangay, municipal, and provincial officials. Data gathering activities such as community needs assessment, assets inventory, analysis of results, and feed-

backing followed. Consequently, projects were identified and prioritized based on the needs enumerated by the community. Specific project and training proposals were then prepared and submitted for approval and funding.

The first training conducted was on organic crop production. Polyethylene plastics were provided as after-training support to five family-beneficiaries for them to construct backyard seedling nurseries that will become sources of planting materials for the community. The second training was on organic swine production and feed formulation. Ten piglets with initial starter feeds were distributed as after-training support. These were given to nine family beneficiaries for them to raise using their own formulated feeds.

For a sustainable marketing of the products, the display and marketing center components were designed. The construction of this facility paved for the launching of the marketing component of the project on February 11, 2018. The ATI-CAR family led by Center Director Arlene L. Flores and members of the Cooperative attended the activity. Representatives from the Ifugao State University (IFSU), Provincial Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Office (PAENRO) of Ifugao, and the Municipal Local Government Unit of Lamut led by Mayor Mariano B. Buyagawan Jr also attended the activity. The PAENRO of Ifugao, the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMAg) of Lamut, Ifugao, and the IFSU are partners of the ATI-CAR and the Cooperative in implementing the program. The ATI-CAR together with the project partners conduct regular monitoring of the project and the beneficiaries. (JSSagpa-ey with reports from CEBalancio)

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KAMMP Mentees Hurdle Business Plan Preparation and Presentation, Emerge as Graduates

After months of data gathering, writing, and packaging, mentees under the Kapatid Agri-Mentor Me Program (KAMMP) finally presented their business plans. KAMMP is one of the newest programs of the DA patterned after the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program implemented by the Department of Trade Industry. KAMMP aims to help scale up agri-workers from farmer cooperatives across regions through intensive modules for business and entrepreneurship with the aid of expert agri-business practitioners. Both KAMMP and KMME are concepts

of the Go Negosyo founder, Joey Concepcion, who is now the Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship.

The DA and Go Negosyo signed a memorandum of agreement on April 3, 2017 to implement the KAMMP. The DA tasked its Regional Field Offices and the Agricultural Training Institute to lead in the implementation of the program at the regional level in partnership with Go Negosyo. In the Cordillera Administrative Region, two batches of training on the KAMMP were conducted

on November 7-10, 2017 and September 24-27, 2017 in Baguio City. The mentees were required to present their business plans to be considered as graduates.

The total of 10 business plans were presented by:

• Ms. Perlita Balacillo of the Emilia’s Integrated Farm in Abra, and Mr. Nazario Tuguinay of the WAGAH Enterprise under the sole proprietorship category.

• The La Trinidad Organic Practitioners Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Barangay Loacan Organic Farmers Association, and Our Farmers’ Haven under organic agriculture category.

• Heirloom rice farmers’ cooperative namely the Benguet Heirloom Rice Terrace Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, the Kalinga Rice Terrace Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, and the Mt. Province Heirloom Rice Farmers Agriculture Cooperative under the heirloom rice category.

• Mt. Province Small Ruminants Goat Raisers Association and the TOPDAC Multipurpose Cooperative under the livestock category.

A panel of mentors with the aim of coaching the KAMMP training mentees to further improve their business plans was invited composed of Prof. Normalyn Longay of the Agribusiness Department of the Benguet State University, Prof. Grace Tobias, Head of the Business Administration Department of the University of the Cordilleras, Ms. Trinidad C. Trinidad, Executive Director of the

PCCI Baguio-Benguet Chapter, and Mr. Jerry Damoyan, the OIC-Chief of the DA-RFO-CAR AMAD. The graduation of the KAMMP mentees followed after the business plan presentation.

The KAMMP business plan presentation and graduation was held on January 26, 2018 at the Ben Balispis Hall, Benguet provincial capitol, La Trinidad, Benguet. It was conducted as part of the launching of the Agribusiness Support for Promotion and Investment in Regional Expositions (ASPIRE) program for the Cordillera Administrative Region on January 24 to 26, 2018. (ACPVelasco with reports from VMLGuinayen)

20 21News News

Reintroducing Agriculture to the Cordillera Youth: CAR 4-H’ers Graduate from Adopt a Farm Youth Program

Tadian, Mt. Province. “I hope you have chosen this (farming) not as the last alternative but you have chosen this because you like it in the first place and that you have the passion to do this.” Ms. Flordelina Layog of the Layog Country Farm gave this food for thought to the 4-H’ers during the graduation ceremony of the Adopt a Farm Youth Program. The “Adopt a Farm Youth Program” is one of the interventions of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) under its 4-H Program to further involve the youth in agriculture.

In the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the Adopt a Farm Youth Program is being implemented by the ATI-CAR in partnership with the Schools for Practical Agriculture (SPA) and Learning Sites for Agriculture

(LSA) in the region. The program, which runs for a month, allows 4-H’ers to experience agriculture first-hand by living in a farm and learning with farmers. It aims to widen the knowledge and enhance the skills of the 4-H’ers in the production of agricultural commodities, farm management and administration, and marketing. Most importantly, the program hopes to instill the values of farming among the youth such as the appreciation of the value and dignity of labor, and other life skills.

The program counts on the 4-H’ers to practice the lessons they have learned from the program. Specifically, the graduates of the program are expected to venture into agriculture and serve as model and

inspiration to their fellow youth to follow and also immerse themselves in agriculture. In achieving this they are to be guided by the concepts of upscaling agriculture through agripreneurship, farm tourism, and other practices they learned from the program.

The ATI-CAR offered the Adopt a Farm Youth Program for the first semester of 2018 to the 4-H’ers from the provinces of Benguet and Mt. Province. In response to this, five 4-H’ers volunteered for the month-long farming journey. Guided by the 4-H motto “learning by doing,” the 4-H’ers learned most of the time through hands-on farm activities under the guidance of their foster farmers.

Their farming journey started with a stay at Ms. Jennifer Rimando of the Ola

Farms in Aguid, Sagada, Mt. Province. Here, the 4-H’ers got a closer experience in coffee production. Under the guidance of Ms. Rimando, the aspiring farmers went through the processes of coffee production. They started from nursery operation to seedling establishment, coffee tree management, harvesting, and processing which gave them a “seed to cup” experience.

From the Ola Farm, the 4-H’ers were transferred to the Layog Coutry Farm in Kayan, Tadian, Mt. Province. Their stay at the Layog Coutry Farm offered them the experience of managing a farm growing multiple crops through an organic and integrated system. Aside from production technologies, they were also taught of food processing, farm administration, management, and marketing.

The graduates of the Adopt a Farm Youth Program for the first semester of 2018 were Jonette M. Callisen of Mankayan, Benguet; Joechon M. Dalgis, and Narcisso B. Palmero both from Kibungan, Benguet; Rey C. Paulino of La Trinidad, Benguet; and, John B. Layyag of Natonin, Mt. Province. The program was launched on May 15, 2018 at the Ola Farm and culminated at the Layog Country farm on June 15, 2018. The Adopt a Farm Youth Program for the second semester of 2018 will be implemented for the lowland provinces of CAR.(ACPVelasco)

22 23News News

Loving Farming, Living the Heritage: CAR 4-H’ers Go for Agri-Tourism at the 2018 CAR Regional Farm Youth (4-H) Convention

Banaue, Ifugao. Value the dignity of labor, learn from each other, share, and remember God always. These were the thoughts and challenges shared to the participant of the 2018 farm youth (4-H) convention as they emerge from another fruitful regional convention. This year’s farm youth convention themed “Love. Farm. Live. 4-H towards Agri-Tourism” emphasized the indispensable role of the farm youth in agri-tourism.

Members, officers, advisers, and coordinators of 4-H clubs in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) attended the convention. The annual affair, held at the Banaue Ethnic Village, Aparnga-o, View Point, Banaue, Ifugao on April 16 to 19, 2018 was opened through a thanksgiving service. In his message Pastor Dinumla, who led the service, reminded the youth to remain close to God in all their endeavors. Quoting Ecclesiastes 12:1 he shared, “remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” He emphasized that the youth are at their best in performing their roles especially in agriculture because they have both the time and energy. Dr. Domingo B. Mariano, the provincial agriculturist of Ifugao, graced the opening program. He challenged the 4-H’ers to be true to their role as the next generation of farmers.

The next three days of the convention was filed with various competitions and other activities. These activities are geared towards

increased appreciation of agriculture, agri-tourism, and the 4-H Club among the delegates. The contests on oyster mushroom processing and packaging, edible dish gardening, innovative farm tourism lay-out, plaque making, extemporaneous speaking, and solo singing contest were all conducted on the second day.

The day ended through a fellowship night sponsored by Governor Pedro G. Mayam-o of Ifugao. Governor Mayam-o was represented by provincial officials of Ifugao led by Atty. Albert D. Pawingi, the provincial Administrative Officer of Ifugao. In his message Atty. Pawingi encouraged the 4-H’ers to “be successful farmers.” He added that they “can best learn from successful farmers who experienced failures first before becoming successful.” Moreover, he emphasized that as 4-H’ers the delegates “should not be ashame to do manual labor.” Lastly, he encouraged the participants to “strive to be different” in the things that they do.

The next day was packed with physical activities. The participants first had a trek at the renowned Banaue Rice Terraces to witness how the rice terraces works. They also posted environmental signage in the area as part of their commitment for a sustainable agri-tourism. The participants then had their first-hand experiences in transplanting the Ifugao heirloom rice, and the indigenous method of dehulling and threshing rice. They were also given an on-site lecture on the traditions of the Ifugaos. The 4-H candle lighting ceremony and cultural presentations capped the third day of the convention. The candle lighting ceremony aims to further instill the 4-H values among the delegates. The provinces of Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mt. Province, and the City of Baguio showcased their respective cultural presentations.

The last day convened the 4-H’ers for the election of their new set of regional federation officers for 2018 to 2020.

The new set of officers were tasked to continue updating the masterlist of 4-H’ers in CAR, facilitate the renewal of their SEC registration by July 2018, and conduct regular meetings among others. The awarding and closing program followed immediately after the election. The province of Kalinga emerged as the champion, followed by the province of Benguet, and Baguio City for the second and third places respectively. Mr. Nazario Tuguinay represented the Provincial Agriculture, Environmental and Natural Resources (PAENRO) Office of Ifugao during the closing program. In his message he asked the participants to emulate and apply the lessons they learned from the activities and share these to others. He also tasked the participants to actively take part in the development of their respective communities. (JSSagpa-ey with reports from JBDizon)

24 25News News

ATI-CAR and ... From page 15

STRENGTHS

1. Organized group of beneficiaries (TAMBOLE FA)2. Well-distributed members3. Active involvement of retired professionals and of

the local government units and the MLGU staff4. Establishment of the project team5. Resourcefulness/innovativeness of beneficiaries

(use of indigenous practices for first aid)6. Excellent communication/coordination of the

project team7. Capability building activities done with the project

beneficiaries prior to the establishment of the CRA projects

8. Partnership with other agencies in providing project assistance under CRA (e.g BFAR)

OPPORTUNITIES

1. Presence of other agencies’ programs2. Development of LCCAP of MLGU, Kapangan3. Availability of municipal transport facilities4. Newly constructed barangay sattelite market

THREATS

1. No identified sure market2. Pests and diseases3. Lack of expertise on crops4. Discontinuity of the project5. Decreasing number of farmers6. ASEAN integration7. Conflicting activities of implementers

WEAKNESSES

1. Delayed implementation of project intervention2. Lack of inspection of inputs prior to delivery3. Lack of involvement of technical experts during

delivery of inputs4. No clear, specific guidelines of the project5. Lack of social technology interventions to the

beneficiaries6. Incomplete specs of inputs7. Inputs delivered are lacking in quantity

SWOT

How Cosmic Farm Started

Like other organic agriculture practitioners, Mr. Rogel’s desire to provide his family with safe and nutritious food started their enterprise. By faith, his family is a vegetarian, which also contributed to his decision to farm. He started farming in 1989 with his 2,000 m² area that he planted to different varieties of citrus (lemon, Valencia lime, calamansi, and Washington navel) chayote and yacón. Of this, 500 m² was devoted to vegetable production.

An entrepreneur by heart, Mr. Marsan, was involved in other businesses apart from farming then. He owned two units of jeeps for transportation services. His family once tried a restaurant while renting a stall for retailing vegetables for quite some time in Baguio City. However, his passion for farming, made him decide to stop with these businesses to give full attention to their organic agriculture (OA) venture.

His Quest for Knowledge

Mang Rogel, started his farm with little knowledge and on trial and error approach in improving his farm productivity. He practiced mono cropping during the earlier days of his farming.

To enhance his knowledge, he enrolled as an e-learner in the International Correspondence School (ICS) of Trans World Education College (based in United Kingdom) on bio-intensive gardening. He also studied homeopathy in India and herbal medicine, where he learned the science of the effect of food we eat to our health. He now applies his learning in their enterprise.

Nine years after (1998), he decided to engage fully into vegetable production. He continued to improve his farm, joined several organic groups, expanded linkages, and found ways to enhance his knowledge in organic farming.

He joined the Organic Producers and Traders Association (OPTA), which at that time, gave him a yellow certification. This means his farm is still under conversion since at that time, he bulldozed the top soil of his expansion area. It took three years before he was given the Ligtas Bughaw Certificate by OPTA, a proof that his farm passes the standards for organic production.

Sometime in early 2000s, with the need to meet the growing demand of organic vegetables, Mr. Marsan, together with fellow advocates of organic farming, organized the La Trinidad Organic Producers Cooperative (La TOP) that he helped to manage until it achieved organic certification in 2010. Aside from LaTop, he is also a founding member of the Cordillera Organic Producers Association (COPA).

With his passion for learning, he keeps on attending seminars/trainings offered by the Agricultural Training Institute and other partner agencies. He learned about pest management, multi-cropping, crop programming, and record keeping. He also understood and experienced the different concepts and stages of bio intensive gardening, biodynamic, natural farming, Food Always on the Table (FAITH), and now organic agriculture.

Presently, he is progressing towards permaculture practice.

Cordillera’s Cosmic... From page 1

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concern is livestock); 5) not a beneficiary of previous DA projects; 6) a member of good standing; 7) willing to sustain the project.

Prior to the awarding of the livelihood packages, the recipients were given support technology training courses on their chosen livelihood so that they can manage them better.

Delivery of the Livelihood Projects

The livelihood packages were delivered gradually from September 30 to November 11, 2017 to the beneficiaires as follows:

• 9 beneficiaries were provided with 66 heads (45-day old) of upgraded piglets with feeds and housing support,

• 1 was given 2,000 fingerlings of tilapia and 2,250 Japanese eel with feed and pond support,

• 10 beneficiaries of green bell pepper production under plastic tunnels were awarded supplies they needed,

• 1 beneficiary was given 50 heads of chicken pullets (meat & egg type),

• 3 beneficiaries were provided with 21 heads (7/beneficiary) of upgraded goats. Likewise, seven

• 7 beneficiaries were given support for their crop rotation production of cucumber, beans and bell pepper

• 2 beneficiaries were given inputs for their organic vegetable production under rain shelter.

Post -Implementation Assessment and Expansion Plan

Assessment of the implementation of the project revealed the following strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats:

The Project Team is composed of Engr. Randy Soriano, Trainings Specialist 2 of ATI-CAR; Mr. Nicasio Baucas Senior Science Research Specialist of DA-RFO CAR; Dr. Peter Begawen, Municipal Agriculturist of LGU Kapangan; Engr. Jun Ann Esteban, AT of LGU Kapangan; Mr. Alex Mencio, Brgy. Chairman of Balakbak; Mr. Julio Pepeng, President of TAMBOLE FA and Mr. George Changitan, Job Order of ATI-CAR.

For 2018, the project expanded to Pasil, Kalinga. (MRAromin with reports from RTSoriano)

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26 27News News

His Secret to Success

Mr. Marsan mentioned several factors that made his farm flourished and created a niche in the organic market . Foremost, is Mr. Rogel’s choice of the farm name - “Cosmic Farm.” Accordingly, cosmic is associated with being vegetarian- so when fellow vegetarian will hear of it, they know for sure that it is practicing safe farming. Eventually, his market expanded to non-vegetarians that are into organically grown food. Also, the farm name is so mysterious and inviting that probably, anybody who hears of it would be curious enough to visit the farm.

Second are his farm practices. As mentioned earlier, Mang Rogel’s farm practices are the products of experiments and trial and error approaches he made through the years. Mang Rogel willingly shared his farming practices and inputs that made his production sustainable and profitable. One, is having a well-managed nursery. This allows him to schedule or program his operation such that right after harvest, a second crop is ready for transplanting, thus ensuring continuous production. Having a nursery also ensures that seeds really germinate ensuring that there will be no missing hills in the field unlike in direct seeding. Also, it lessens the exposure of the plants to adverse conditions such as extreme weather or pest and diseases. As such, Mang Rogel made sure that this part of the farm is taken-cared of.

Two, is having a good soil. He firmly believes in the OA dictum that goes “feed the soil and the soil will feed the plant.” This is one of the principles of organic agriculture. The farm produces and applies its own organic fertilizers and composts whose ingredients, are found in his farm. These are also sources of additional income for the family.

Three, instead of cultivating the soil every cropping, he constructed permanent beds to minimize tilling and hilling up. This saves time and energy. Four, similar to other farms, his production is under the rain shelter (greenhouses) so that production is all year-round. Five, he practices the integrated farming system approach. Even though the family is vegetarian, livestock and poultry were included as source of raw materials for the compost and as an additional income.

Another factor is his passion for innovation and continuous learning. There is a business adage that goes, “it is better to lose than to stagnate,” and

Mr. Marsan practices that. He has expanded his products by adding food processing as a component. The family now processes health beverages such as yoghurt, ginger tea, ashitaba tea and turmeric tea.

Record keeping and documentation also played a big role for Mr. Marsan in achieving his feat. Through these, he convinced and proved to the Gawad Saka Evaluators that his 1,000 m² production area is very profitable and can earn as much as P1,000/m², equivalent to 1 million pesos/year.

Getting the Involvement of the Family

It is a sad reality that farmers today would rather let their children enroll in courses (engineering, nursing and others) offering high paying jobs, than in agriculture which is perceived as hard and low income job. Who would like to work for long hours in the field under extreme weather conditions and remain poor? Probably, nobody. But, for Mr. Marsan, he made sure that the gains they achieved will be sustained and passed on to his children and grandchildren. So, he treated their operation as a business, showing to his children that it is their main source of bread and butter. He encouraged them to contribute and be part of it by hiring them as employees. He proved to his children, that the farm can provide for the net income that they will receive if employed as a regular employee in a private company. He also provided for their SSS, PhilHealth and PAG-IBIG contributions and vehicles for personal and farm operations use. This way, he was able to sustain their farm enterprise while keeping his family happy and safe together.

Their Achievements

Prior to their remarkable achievements in organic agriculture given by DA, the family also received numerous recognitions. In 2005, their farm was awarded as “Organic Farm of the Year by 2 private organizations (Ang Kasama & Maharlika) based in Quezon City.

In 2007, during the 1st Benguet Ethnic Food Fair, they bagged 1st place in the following competition categories: Ethnic Beverage, Organically Grown Vegetable Salad, Mushroom Dish, and Root Crop Dessert.

In 2015, the Marsan patriarch won the National Organic Agriculture Achievers Award (NOAAA) for Small Farmer Category.

In 2016, their family, was accorded the NOAAA for Organic Farming Family Category during the National Organic Agriculture

Cordillera’s Cosmic.. From page 25

Congress (NOAC) in Laoag City. The family held on to the award in 2017.

Recently, Mr. Marsan was awarded the Gawad Saka for Outstanding Organic Agriculture Farmer for 2018 at the regional level during the DA-CAR anniversary.

Aside from awards, opportunities for partnerships and income generation also opened. Their farm was certified as School for Practical Agriculture (SPA) by the Agricultural Training Institute in Cordillera Administrative Region (ATI-CAR). As such, his farm is being tapped by ATI-CAR to host training program for 4-H youth and trainings under the organic agriculture program. In addition, the Department of Tourism (DOT) also accredited the farm as a farm tourism site. Presently, there are only 2 accredited in the region.

Recently, TESDA also accredited their farm as TVET provider of OA Production NCII. These partnerships can contribute to the long term sustainability of the farm.

Add to these the consultancy services that Mr. Marsan provides.

Sharing the Advocacy to the Community

As his way of giving back to the community, Mang Rogel devotes half of his time in advocating organic agriculture. Aside from his involvement in OA organizations, he is tapped by partners (like ATI) to share his knowledge, skills, experiences, and advocacies during trainings in organic agriculture. With already established markets for organic products inside and outside the region, Mr. Marsan is consolidating the produce of other organic farmers to ensure there is a quality control to protect the trust of

consumers.

This is the story of the Marsan Family who proved that farming is prestigious and profitable. Indeed, a family that farms together stays and

achieves together! (JSSAGPA-EY)

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