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

.....read more

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

.....read more

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

.....read more

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

.....read more

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

.....read more

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

.....read more

“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

.....read more

 

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" – this proverb resonates with the agricultural journey of Nole Billonid. He is the owner and operator of the Billonid Agricultural Center, located in Purok 11, Barangay Tungao, Butuan City. On his 2.5-hectare farm, Mr. Billionid has successfully diversified his agricultural activities, encompassing a 1-hectare swine and broiler chicken

.....read more

Childhood memories often shape who we become. For Mr. Oliver Terante, those memories are more than just stories from the past. They are the roots of his present success. Today, the same land in Ampayon, Butuan City, where he once played as a child, has grown into Olivier Ecovillage, a peaceful and thriving agritourism destination that reflects his love for nature and his passion for sustainable

.....read more

Life is full of challenges, and sometimes, it can feel overwhelming. But when you have someone by your side-someone who supports you, lifts you, and believes in you —those struggles feel a little lighter. It's like tending to a cacao tree: it needs constant care, balance, and patience to grow. With love and nurturing, it learns to thrive through every stage, just as we do when we have the right

.....read more