Rullamas Farm, located at Sta. Rita West, Aringay, La Union, lies a remarkable story of resilience and transformation., The farm is owned by Mr. Federico Rullamas, and currently managed by his second child, Sheryl. Federico, with 45 years of farming experience, has seen his 1.8-hectare farm progress into a certified Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA), inspiring not just his family but the entire community.
Federico Rullamas began his farming journey with humble resources, raising chickens, pigs, goats, and cultivating rice and corn. He relied heavily on synthetic fertilizers, but despite his family’s hard work, the farm’s production remained low. They harvested only 80 cavans of rice, struggled with water shortages, and lacked modern farm management practices. The family faced the constant challenge of making ends meet and improving their yield.
The Turning Point: LSA Certification
In 2022, Rullamas Farm received a recognition as a Learning Site for Agriculture. This certification opened doors to opportunities of training and support from both government and private agencies. Federico’s commitment to learning and innovation paid off, enabling him to send three of his children to college simultaneously and provide livelihoods for four local families.
Moreover, Federico, being a Magsasaka Siyentista under the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center 1 (ATI-RTC 1) marked a new chapter. He began sharing his knowledge on creating farm concoctions, techniques he learned through various training programs in La Union. These concoctions provided an additional income stream and enhanced their farming productivity. By adopting modern farming practices, Rullamas Farm’s rice yield increased from 80 to 180 cavans.
Adoption to Modern Farming Techniques
With support from government agencies and institutions such as Local Government Unit of Aringay, Office of the Provincial Agriculture in La Union, Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 1, ATI-RTC 1, and PhilRice, Rullamas Farm acquired essential machinery, including a hand tractor, cultivator, grass cutter, and rice mill. Transitioning from synthetic to organic fertilizers, the farm embraced sustainable practices that aligned with modern agricultural advancements. Federico’s willingness to adopt new technologies demonstrated his firm commitment to progress.
Furthermore, Federico’s passion for organic farming and openness to new technologies garnered international attention. Last year, Rullamas Farm welcomed 12 international farm enthusiasts eager to learn about various farming technologies, including the innovative farm concoctions.
A Bright Future Ahead
Today, the farm has a reliable irrigation system and 34 solar panels granted by the Department of Agriculture Region 1. LGU Aringay procured 800 bags of farm concoctions from the farm to distribute to local farmers, further solidifying the farm’s role as a community resource. Federico believes in the importance of welcoming new farming technologies to achieve greater success. He dreams of venturing into flower planting, catfish farming, and expanding his vermiculture activities.
The farm’s journey from modest beginnings to agricultural success highlights the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and adaptation. It illustrates how embracing sustainable and innovative farming practices can lead to achievements.
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