Growing up in a family of eight in Magallanes, Agusan del Norte, Royln Jay G. Aca-ac knew the meaning of hardship. With his father working as a tricycle driver and his mother as a farmer, financial constraints made higher education seem like an impossible dream. After finishing senior high school in 2019, he faced the reality that college was beyond his family's reach.

"Growing up in a poor

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In the rural heart of Butuan City, where the sun rises over vast rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see, Arlyn P. Tagupa’s life and livelihood depend on the land she has worked for many years. The daughter of farmers and now a mother herself, Arlyn lives in Purok 4, Lemon, with her husband and two children. Together, they rely on the rice that grows beneath their feet. But for years

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Sharon Acera Honor, a 44-year-old farmer from Capatungan, Trento, Agusan del Sur, has emerged as a shining example of agricultural innovation and community empowerment. Her journey from a humble rice farmer to an entrepreneur is a testament to her dedication, passion for learning, and commitment to uplifting her fellow farmers.

Sharon's story is rooted in her upbringing, where she was

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This is a story of Edwin Dapar. His journey from a maintenance mechanic worker abroad to a successful farmer-leader. His decision to follow his vision of tilling his own farm after working abroad for six years showcases determination and a string connection to his agricultural roots.

Although his decision to invest his extra savings from abroad into agriculture may have been risky, he was

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If this man strikes a chord of familiarity, it might be due to his notable presence in a past interview on the popular national TV network, CNN Philippines. Now, meet Engr. Pierre Anthony Joven, not only the City Agriculturist of Butuan City but also the Project Lead of AgriBOOST - an agri-ecosystem innovation project that placed Butuan City on the global map after being announced as one of

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From teaching to tilling, from pedagogy to paddy fields. This is the story of Emily Nimes, a former high school English teacher at the Department of Education in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur who decided to leave her profession to focus on agriculture full-time.

Her journey in farming began during the challenging times of the pandemic when lockdowns disrupted daily life. At first, farming was

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Engr. John Wevin Tingas' journey in farming has proven how dedication and passion can be a catalyst of change for others. At 29, this young leader recognized the potential of the youth in contributing to the development of farming communities.

“Youths are close to my heart because I was once a youth leader in different organizations way back in my early years. Then, given the chance that I

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Amid the trials and tribulations that life had thrown his way, this cooperative leader has emerged as a symbol of strong spirit and determination. Limping from a leg operation, nursing wounds from a harrowing vehicular accident, and enduring the disheartening separation from his family due to the grip of Covid lockdowns, this extraordinary individual remained undeterred in his mission. Through

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For decades, the life of a small coconut farmer may have been like the biblical road to Calvary – a walk filled with agony. First, they did not benefit from the coco levy imposed on them in the 70s.  Second, were the super typhoons Yolanda and Odette which destroyed not only vast coconut areas but also the livelihood of thousands of farmers. The third is the lack of material, technical, and

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An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. This quote from Benjamin Franklin is what Dr. Raul del Agua of Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte can strongly attest. After writing his dissertation that focused on livelihood programs for small farmers in his locality, he is now the brainchild of the Kitcharao LGU Farm – a multi-million project that is poised to become Agusan del Norte’s next farm

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