When most of the younger generation opt for careers in IT, medical fields, or engineering and prefer to work overseas, Dave Q. Arabes chose farming and extension work. Dave has always been passionate about tilling the soil, raising farm animals, and everything related to agriculture. He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture majoring in Agricultural Education at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines-Claveria Campus.
As Sir Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
After completing his degree in agriculture, he started making a difference in the farming communities in his neighborhood by becoming a staff member at the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) in Oroquieta City in 2022.
In the same year, he was invited to join the Provincial Level of the Young Farmers Challenge, representing Oroquieta City. "I felt hesitant about accepting the challenge due to my commitments at work. Managing a farming enterprise requires time and effort, and I feared it might conflict with my job responsibilities," Dave shared.
Despite his reservations, Dave accepted the challenge with thoughts of the opportunity to give back to his community and eventually start a farm of his own. The Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) allowed him to propose an agriculture enterprise with innovative technologies that he could soon impart to everyone. "When I began to develop my Business Model Canvas, I faced the challenge of managing my time," he said.
He dedicated his weekends and late nights to research and weekdays to his office duties. The assistance he received from the agriculture technicians at the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), especially the support from Dr. Maynard C. Bongcayao, encouraged and motivated him to do more. The enterprise he chose was to raise the Zampen native chicken, a purified breed of Joloano breeds known for its adaptability to the local climate and environment and flavorful meat quality.
"To my surprise, my hard work and dedication paid off as I was awarded First Place in the Young Farmers Challenge at the provincial level. It was also during the Young Farmers Challenge preparation which prompted me to pass the Agriculturist Licensure Examination in December 2022.” Dave said further.
However, Dave faced a setback when he got placed at the Provincial level. He strived hard to be at the Regional YFC, but his dream to win the regional level was denied.
"I wasn't able to make it to the Regional level since the selection committee chooses only those who have existing enterprises whereas mine is just for start-up and was not able to start on time as stated in my schedule of activities due to the delay in the release of the financial grant." Reflecting on his experience in the Young Farmers Challenge, Dave realized that success in farming often requires stepping outside of one's comfort zone. The rejection challenged him to do better, and he continued his venture into native chicken raising, welcoming support from his friends and agencies such as DA-RFO X and ATI. Like any other enterprise, Dave faced setbacks more than he was ready for.
"One of the most disheartening setbacks was dealing with disease outbreaks among my flock. Diseases such as Newcastle disease had taken a toll on my chickens, resulting in significant losses." He attended training, learned the right technologies, and applied them to his poultry. It was not an easy way out, and he knew that after one problem was solved, there would be another. "Amidst the challenges, there were moments of triumph that fueled my passion even further. Watching a chick hatch from its egg, witnessing the first crow of a young rooster, or enjoying the chicks eating - they're kinda cute - all these small victories served as reminders of why I chose this path," Dave said with a hopeful smile.
From 50 hardened, 10 heads of hen, and two roosters, he now has 141 heads, earning an average of Php 5,000.00 a month. "The farmer has to be an optimist, or he wouldn't still be a farmer," Dave emphasized. For Dave, this is just the beginning of a greater journey ahead. He is 28 years old, and until he can, he will not stop dedicating himself to farming.
He doesn't want to stop raising chickens alone; he aims to expand and discover more technologies and rear multiple commodities. "In the end, it's the passion and love for what I do that sustains me through the challenges and setbacks. Despite the hardships, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything else."
Aside from being a farmer, Dave is also currently in charge of the Farmers Information and Technology Services Center (FITS) Center in Oroquieta City, an ATI program under the Techno Gabay Program, which aims to bridge the gap between agriculture and technology.
“To the young ones who want to pursue farming, follow your heart, and seize the opportunity with courage and conviction.”, he said.
For Dave, farming is not just a livelihood, it is a way of life that nourishes the spirit and leaves a legacy of hope from generation to generation. (written by: Honeylou C. Bastasa, Information Officer II)
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