A standard of agricultural innovation and community empowerment—the V&G Integrated Learning Farm, located at Brgy. Barong, Dingras, Ilocos Norte managed and owned by Mr. Marc Cruz is a symbol of resilience and progress in an ever-changing society.
A Diverse Approach to Farming
The farm's approach is as diverse as its offerings. During the wet season, it dedicates its resources to rice production and as the dry season sets in, the field welcomes crops like rice, monggo, and kamote. But it doesn't stop there; the farm also boasts fruit-bearing trees—citrus, mango, papaya, banana—alongside herbal and medicinal plants that add depth to the agriculture community of Brgy. Barong. The almost 2-hectare area is also a home to various livestock, including goats, cattle, swine, and chickens, and fisheries such as tilapia.
V&G Integrated Learning Farm vision for community development. As an integral part of the agricultural community, it understands the challenges posed by expanding networks, collaboration dynamics, and the continuous threat of climate change. Despite doubts from the farmers organizations and associations in the locality, Marc perseveres. Through strategic collaborations with agencies like ATI, TESDA, PhilRice, and DA, he delved into the technicalities of modern farming with determination to undergo trainings.
A Spark of Hope During Adversity
The farm's resilience was tested during the peak of the pandemic in May 2021, when it achieved accreditation as a certified Learning Site for Agriculture. It played a crucial role in relief operations and served as a vital source of food during the lockdown, The certification paved the way for expanded operations, including the development of function halls and infrastructures for enhanced learning experiences.
Empowering Farmers, Enriching Lives
The farm extends far beyond what it offers physically. Farmers in the community and neighboring areas have gained knowledge and skills through the farm's facilitation of access to ATI programs like SOA-SRA and specialized trainings. The farm's contributions exceeded mere learning. It also became a catalyst for job creation, hiring workers during planting seasons and distributing livestock such as swine to uplift the community's livelihoods.
Marc's vision—"accelerate, empower, sustain agriculture through leadership and innovation"—embodies the farm's philosophy. This vision drove the farm's expansion into DC Trading, a trading business consolidating farmers' produce and connecting them with markets, ensuring sustainable growth for all stakeholders. Moreover, looking towards the future, V&G Integrated Learning Farm initiated AgriLearn X—an innovative website/application project in collaboration with MMSU and DOST. This project aims to educate farmers and agricultural enthusiasts through crafted modules developed by TESDA graduates and private entities. AgriLearn X, which is scheduled to launch in June-July, offers a new era of accessible, technology-driven agricultural education.
As the farm continues to thrive, Mark remains firm in his commitment to sustainability and community welfare. For him, success surpasses personal contentment; it includes the broader impact of one's contributions to the agricultural sector and the lives it touches.
V&G Integrated Learning Farm nurtures aspirations and a brighter future for all.
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