Determined. Resilient. Innovative.
These three words best describe Sherwin G. Sintaon, a young farmer from Lantapan, Bukidnon, who turned his family’s agricultural misfortunes into a remarkable success story. Just like chili, combined with different ingredients to create a rich and intricate flavor, Sherwin’s journey into agripreneurship is not just a tale of determination but also a testament to the transformative power of determination, resiliency, and innovation.
Growing up, he was already immersed in farm activities. During his elementary days, he started gardening radish in their backyard and selling the harvest to his mother’s workmates. In middle school, he decided to study in an agricultural school in Lantapan and focused on learning organic farming.
Showcasing and nurturing his leadership skills in farming as he aged, he also became the 4-H Club President in their municipality.
Passion-wise, Sherwin fell in love with agriculture.
Defying challenges
His family relied on agriculture for their livelihood. However, although farming is fun, looking through a wider lens, his parents see no significant progress in their lives despite the many years of farming. Years of failed harvests and the meager earnings from selling their banana, corn, and coffee produce at low market prices took their toll. Disheartened, his family eventually lost interest in farming and resorted to working for a private company despite the very low salary. Sherwin, seeing his family’s decision, also started to lose confidence in farming.
Sherwin saw potential where others saw despair. With no one wanting to manage their farm, Sherwin stood up with a steadfast resolve and took responsibility. Being a graduate of BS Agriculture, he used his knowledge and learnings in managing their farm, even though he faced skepticism and little support from his family due to their past failures.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 became a turning point for Sherwin. Recognizing that chili commanded high prices in the market, ranging from P700-P1,000 per kilo, he chose to cultivate 200 hills of chili on their farm.
Like chilis, life sometimes can be spicy and intense. His initial excitement soon turned to dismay when the market became saturated, and chili prices plummeted. Facing financial losses, Sherwin found himself on the verge of giving up, much like his family before him. But instead of walking away, he took a leap of faith and shifted his focus to value-adding and processing his chili harvests.
Becoming a champion
With limited resources and a few supportive neighbors and friends, Sherwin began producing chili oil. At first, he sold only a handful of bottles, but his persistence paid off as word spread about the quality and flavor of his product. Demand for his chili oil grew, and Sherwin’s small venture turned into a thriving business. Recognizing the need to expand his knowledge and network, Sherwin joined and began to be invited to agri-trade fairs organized by various government agencies.
Furthermore, he refined his chili oil and joined the Youth in Agripreneurship Program (YAP) of the Agricultural Training Institute in 2022 along with other young agripreneurs in Region X. This decision proved pivotal as it not only equipped him with essential skills but also gave him a platform to showcase his innovation.
‘Win’ is not just in Sherwin’s name, but he embodies it too. In 2022, Sherwin’s chili oil won the National Award in the Youth in Agripreneurship Program under the Advanced Category.
“This achievement was a defining moment for me, with the grants that I have received, I can purchase machines, put up a product station, and innovate other products like chili powder and sinamak.”
Sherwin reinforced his belief that success in farming is possible with the right mindset and determination. He often shares that his journey was shaped by the invaluable lessons he learned from the training programs, the support of government agencies, and his unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges.
Today, Sherwin is setting up a processing facility to continue growing his agribusiness while at the same time working at the Municipal Agriculture Office of Lantapan. In this role, he is dedicated to helping, inspiring, and empowering other farmers to see the potential in farming and adopt innovative practices. Sherwin’s story resonates deeply with many, proving that resilience, vision, and inspiration can transform lives.
Determined. Resilient. Innovative.
Again, take a leap of faith because just like Sherwin, you have these qualities too. (written by: Jan Ariss Jadraque, Information Officer II)
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