𝗣𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱: 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲, 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

The Unlikely Farmer

Born and raised in the farmlands of Paniqui, Tarlac, McJohn G. Juan developed a deep affinity for agriculture early on, influenced heavily by his grandparents, who were dedicated vegetable and tobacco farmers.

As the only son of Mr. McArthur Juan and Mrs. Myrna G. Juan, McJohn initially followed a different path, completing a Bachelor of Public Administration and Good Governance at Tarlac State University. Yet, despite his degree, the call of the land remained strong. This unwavering interest eventually led him back to his roots, guiding him toward the successful agricultural enterprise he manages today.

Sowing the Seeds of Knowledge

Driven by passion, McJohn refused to let his non-agricultural educational background hold him back. He immersed himself in learning, attending various courses through

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), and Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) to gain the practical skills he craved.

Opportunity knocked when he participated in the "Training of Trainers on Goat Production" for the Binhi ng Pag-asa Program, which aims to strengthen and enhance the leadership and values of youth beneficiaries while managing their agri-fishery endeavors implemented by the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center III.

Here, he laid the groundwork for his enterprise, initially selling goat meat to the community while simultaneously focusing on breeding to ensure sustainable herd growth.

Later, a retired Municipal Agriculturist and neighbor, Mr. George M. Payumo, recognized McJohn’s potential. Payumo encouraged him to apply for the Youth Internship Program in Organic Agriculture (YIPOA). Though McJohn applied with modest expectations, his neighbor’s words proved prophetic.

“Actually, noong ako’y nagta-trabaho pa, isa sa unang gawain na ipinatupad ko sa opisina ay ang organic agriculture. Dahil nakikita ko na ito ay kailangan ng ating mga magsasaka. During my time, naghahanap ang ATI na puwedeng mag-intern sa organic agriculture. Tamang-tama naman, may nakita ako, hindi dahil siya ay kapitbahay. Nakikita ko ang araw-araw niyang pagpupursige sa farming. Pagkatapos ng pag-aaral ay diretso na siya sa farming. To make the story short, siya ay inendorso ko para mag-intern. Nakikita ko ng ana tuloy-tuloy pa rin siya pagkatapos ng internship ng organic agriculture,” Mr. Payumo said.

The YIPOA Journey: A Leap of Faith

YIPOA 2023 became a transformative experience. McJohn was assigned to Tingtano Integrated Farm in San Jose, Tarlac—a placement designed to test and expand his abilities. The transition was not seamless; he initially struggled with farm practices he had never encountered.

“Nagulat pa ako sa mga farm practices ng Tingtano, nasanay po kasi ako na ginagamitan ng mga kemikal ang mga halaman. Natutunan ko po doon na hindi basta-basta ang organic agriculture. Hindi rin po dahil hindi na ginamitan ng kemikal ay maaari nang tawagin na organic farming. Ito po ay may tamang proseso at mga hakbang sa mga pananim natin,”  he quipped.

However, driven by a commitment to growth, he adopted these new methods, quickly realizing their benefits and gaining invaluable knowledge. Immersing in an organic farm is a challenge, it is a dedication and a process. He shared that farming is not just about how to plant but also about how to thrive and adapt to their rules and practices.

“‘Yong internship ko sa Tingtano ang isa sa magandang experience kasi doon, gumigising ng maaga para mag-farming na nakuha ko noong matapos na malaking bagay kasi bilang magsasaka pinagsisipagan mo at sumusunod ka sa bagay na mas nakabubuti,” he shared.

Upon completing the internship, McJohn was granted start-up assistance of

Php 150,000.00, which he dedicated fully to expanding his goat production in Paniqui. He manages to purchase the basics in raising goats, such as materials for housing, raw materials for feeds such as madre de agua and napier.

“Mahirap lang po sa part na hahanap ka ng kambing na aakma doon sa organic practices kasi hindi ‘yon basta-basta nahahanap,” as he shared his struggle with his start-up business.

“Mahirap po pala gawin in terms po ng pagsasaka lalo na po at nag-uumpisa pero habang tumatagal pala, nakaka-enjoy, at masaya na kumikita ka,” he shared.

From Raising Goats to Raising Hope

McJohn’s drive is fueled by more than just profit; it is fueled by memory. His inspiration stems from a difficult time in his childhood when his family was financially unstable. During those dark days, a kumpare (close friend) of his father lent them a single goat to raise. From that one animal, McJohn and his family were able to multiply the herd, selling the offspring to neighbors. That single act of kindness provided a lifeline that helped them survive.

“Ang goat raising ay hindi lang isang business—ito ay pagpapasalamat,” he narrated.

The "Pahiram Kambing" Initiative

To honor the help he once received, McJohn launched a unique community initiative: “Pahiram Kambing sa Kabataan” (Lending Goats to the Youth).

This project is his way of paying it forward. However, he ensures the recipients are ready for the responsibility. Before granting the youth a goat, he first provides them with training on proper livestock management, such as giving them discussions on how to properly manage the goats, proper housing, and food for them. Providing them with knowledge is not enough. To properly utilize the goat he lent, he also gave hands-on training on feed preparation for goats.

“Siyempre gusto kong makatulong sa kabataan at para ma-develop ang willingness nila sa pagsasaka, na maganda ang makukuha nila rito, hindi dahil lang isa itong proyekto. Iyon po ang gusto kong maitulong at maibahagi sa kanila.”

To date, McJohn has successfully lent seven goats to youths across Moncada, San Jose, and Paniqui, Tarlac. He is ensuring that the cycle of kindness continues—a bond built by gratitude and strengthened by agriculture. Through this initiative, he hopes the next generation will embrace farming with the same love and devotion that saved his own family.

“Sa tulad kong mga kabataan, ‘wag po tayong matakot na subukan ang pagsasaka dahil ang agrikultura ay hindi lamang isang pagsasaka, ito’y tungkol sa pagpapanday ng ating kinabukasan.”