From Activist to Agripreneur: How Faith Afdal-Dicang Found Her Life’s Purpose in Farming

By: Faith Afdal-Dicang

 

At an age when many people dream of slowing down, Faith Afdal-Dicang begin each morning with the familiar sounds of goats bleating, chickens scratching the ground, and farm workers preparing for another day in the fields.

At 67, she is not simply raising goats or growing

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Olivier EcoVillage’s Salted Herbs: Superstar seasoning in the making

by: Vic Thor Palarca, ATI-Caraga

Remember mistaking salt for sugar as a kid? To differentiate the same crystalline white, I would pinch a granule, pop it in my mouth, and instantly know salty grit from sweet dissolve. That simple household mineral, often overlooked in our kitchen packs historical and spiritual punch since

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Barobo farmers’ association processes Cavendish banana rejects into quality animal feed

by: Vic Thor Palarca, Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center XIII

In Barobo, Surigao del Sur, the Barobo Farmers Team Bahug Makers Association (BAFATBAMA) exemplifies innovative waste utilization in their town and even in the entire province. Established in 2024 as a registered people

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The Inspiring Farming Journey of Young Farmer Mark S. Estoria

By Vic Thor Palarca

Tucked in a hidden field in Bacuag, Surigao del Norte, is M.E. Free Range Chicken and Organic Vegetable Garden, and 21-year-old Mark S. Estoria is proving that youth, hard work, and smart farming can turn dreams of owning and manning a farm into a thriving reality. As a graduate of the Youth Internship Program

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By Vic Thor Palarca

There is power in numbers. When a number of farmers can attest that organic farming has helped send their children to school, increased their income, and promoted a healthier lifestyle, such testimony deserves attention—especially from those practicing conventional farming. 

Conventional farming typically relies heavily on harmful chemicals and pesticides, which can have

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By Vic Thor Palarca

When 25-year-old Dheben Jean T. Alvarez was still in college as an Information Technology student, her parents made the difficult decision to pawn their 0.7-hectare farmland in Barangay Violanta, Loreto, Agusan del Sur to finance her studies. This deliberate sacrifice reflected their high hopes that Dheben would secure a decent job soon and provide income support for the

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This former OFW became an agripreneur and a farming community inspiration

By: Vic Thor Palarca

Surigao Del Sur- Minda C. Teves, 69 dedicated 33 years of her life working in Italy as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). Initially employed as a midwife, she later built a successful side career as a financial literacy advisor, empowering fellow kababayans with practical money-management advice

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For Anjon Berendez, 40, farmer-leader of the Ampayon Farmers Association in Brgy. Ampayon, Butuan City, the government’s support through various agricultural extension programs came as an unexpected yet welcome relief. These interventions significantly reduced their farming input costs—something they had not imagined possible. Back then, they harvested palay, sold it, and barely earned enough to

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In a world where agriculture's future is vital, a new generation is stepping up. Get to know Juniel Rey Gigaquit, a member of the 4-H Club who is more than just an aspiring young farmer but a true role model. Juniel's journey into farming started with some major challenges, just like many young people. But instead of letting a difficult start stop him, he was resilient and turned it into an

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“When one door closes, another opens”—a saying we often hold onto when a situation comes to an end, believing we have missed an opportunity meant for us. However, we must remember that something great may be waiting just around the corner.

Anthony “Anton” Buntag, 28, a graduate of BS Education Major in Biology at the Caraga State University, Butuan City. He is a former Provincial School

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