"Farming is a profession of hope." โ Brian Brett
In this generation, more respect is given to those who work in suits and ties. More often than not, farmers are looked down upon, and farming is discriminated against as a profession, even by the farmers themselves. Some farmers advise their children to avoid careers in agriculture and seek other professions instead.
While it is true that farmers in the Philippines often earn less than those in corporate jobs, the situation in the Baguio District of Davao City in Region XI is different. There, a former corporate worker turned his back on the corporate world to establish Macatabo Farm.
His farm has been a model of sustainable agriculture and community upliftment. What started as a piece of family land has evolved into a thriving agricultural hub, thanks to the vision and perseverance of Genovivo "Bong" Cajes. From modest beginnings, Macatabo Farm has become a Learning Site for Agriculture under the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) of Region XI, a center for organic farming, and a lifeline for the indigenous peoples in the region.
The Man Behind Macatabo Farm
Born on April 23, 1966, in Baguio, Davao City, Genovivo Cajes, fondly known as "Bong," grew up on land that would later become the foundation for Macatabo Farm. He is the fifth of seven children of Mr. Macario Cajes, a Deputy Mayor from Bohol, and Mrs. Juanita Argumido, a native of Cebu and a prominent leader in the Rice Improvement Club (RIC). Bong's upbringing was deeply rooted in community service and agriculture, as both his parents were well-known figures in their local community.
Bong pursued his early education in Davao City and eventually graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Brokenshire College in 1989. His career initially took him to the emergency room of Brokenshire Hospital, where he worked as an operating nurse. However, seeking greater fulfillment and financial stability, Bong transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry as a medical representative.
Despite his success in the corporate world, Bongโs calling was closer to home. Inspired by his familyโs deep ties to the land, he decided to honor his fatherโs legacy by returning to his roots and turning the familyโs land into a sustainable farm.
Starting From Scratch
Armed with limited farming knowledge but plenty of determination due to his tenure in pharmaceutical industry, Bong began the transformation of his familyโs old banana plantation into what is now Macatabo Farm.
His first success came when he harvested 3.7 tons of bananas, marking the beginning of a much larger journey. Over time, he expanded the farm to include livestock, dairy, chickens, eggs, and vegetables, eventually developing his farm to that practices Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Organic Farming with recognitions and awards from various agricultural agencies and offices.ย
Challenges Along the Way
During his transition, Bong faced numerous challenges, from rehabilitating the land to learning sustainable farming techniques. One breakthrough came when he introduced vermiculture, an organic farming method that improved soil health and increased crop yield. Despite these obstacles, Bongโs dedication paid off as the farmโs success began to attract attention from local organizations and eventually earned recognition as a Learning Site for Agriculture.
โI was prepared for failure, but I never gave up,โ Bong reflects on the challenges he faced in the early days. His perseverance helped transform Macatabo Farm into a model for sustainable agriculture and a beacon for other aspiring farmers.
Empowering Indigenous Communities
One of the most inspiring aspects of Macatabo Farm is its commitment to supporting the indigenous peoples of the Davao region, particularly the Matigsalug tribe. According to Bongโs eldest son, Khenneth Brylle Cajes, the farmโs marketing head, 90% of the farmโs workers are indigenous peoples. The farm intentionally employs them, offering not just jobs but opportunities for skills development and personal growth.
โWe wanted to show the community that they could replicate what weโve done on their lands,โ Khenneth explains. The farm has become a partner to the local community, providing indigenous workers with sustainable farming knowledge and creating jobs that have had a lasting impact on the local economy.
Andy Cabantao, a member of the Matigsalug tribe, is one of the many who has benefited from working at Macatabo Farm. โThe farm has created jobs and helped improve the communityโs economy and food security,โ he says. Andy has learned new farming techniques that he has taken back to his own community, enhancing their agricultural practices.
Family's Commitment to Farming
Bongโs vision for Macatabo Farm is a family effort. His wife, Melinda Mendoza, a public school teacher, has been a constant source of support. Together, they have raised two sons, Khenneth Brylle, 25, and David Brylle, 23, both of whom have joined the family business after exploring careers in the corporate world. Khenneth, who worked at BDO Bank, now serves as the farmโs marketing head, while David, a pharmacist by profession, manages the bakery division of the farm.
This family collaboration has allowed Macatabo Farm to grow into a diverse and thriving enterprise, one that combines organic farming, livestock, dairy, vegetable production, and farm-to-table dining.
Giving back to the Community
Macatabo Farmโs contributions go beyond its agricultural output. It has become a cornerstone of the local economy, supplying fresh produce, dairy products, and value-added goods. What makes the farm truly unique is its focus on community impact. As Khenneth Brylle explains, โWe prioritize production and processing for the community firstโespecially the indigenous peoples who work with us. Then we extend it to schools, and finally, we bring it to the market.โ
Through its work with the indigenous community, educational outreach, and farm-to-table initiatives, Macatabo Farm ensures that its benefits reach the most vulnerable members of society. The farmโs restaurant, Macatabo Provisions, serves fresh, sustainably grown produce, creating a unique dining experience that highlights the farmโs commitment to quality and sustainability.
The Macatabo Legacy
The story of Genovivo โBongโ Cajes and Macatabo Farm is one of resilience, hard work, and community spirit. From humble beginnings, Bong has transformed his familyโs land into a thriving farm that not only provides for his family but uplifts the indigenous communities around him. As a recognized Learning Site for Agriculture, Macatabo Farm serves as a model for future generations, proving that with passion and dedication, farming can be a tool for social change and economic empowerment.
For Bong and his family, farming is more than a businessโitโs a legacy of giving back, nurturing the land, and helping others grow alongside them.ย Indeed, farming is a profession of giving back ย to the community.
