In the landscape of Paombong, Bulacan, Mr. Danilo Dionisioβs journey from overseas work to aqua and livestock farming symbolizes the resilience of the Filipino spirit. As a former OFW, his retirement plan has blossomed into a commitment to sustainable agriculture as he embraces the principles of natural farming, harvesting not just crops but a legacy of environmental responsibility.
Humble Beginnings
In 2020, Mr. Dionisio, also known by many as βMang Danny,β a 69-year-old retired from his overseas work, embarked on a new adventure, challenging the conventional notion of retirement as mere relaxation.
His vision of his farm, Mang Dannyβs Organic and Natural Farm, now an accredited Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), as an agri-tourism was personified, sizing a huge area of 1.7 hectares. The farm produces a variety of commodities, including fish such as bangus, tilapia, mud crab, and shrimp, as well as livestock like peking duck, heritage chicken breeds such as black australorp, Rhode island red, and Chinese chicken. However, before taking the ride towards the joy of farm life, Mang Danny diligently attended seminars and training at the ATI to acquire and hone his theoretical knowledge and practical skills, which were crucial in achieving the farmβs success.
Goal of the Farm
Aside from cutting the cost of feeds for his livestock and fish, Mang Danny personally aims to give a significant strike to the community by providing them not just healthy but organically grown products β a reflection of his dedication and commitment to serve environmental stewardship and healthy well-being.
βAng main concern ko po ay is to produce organic na isda, plants, and animals sa pamamaraan ng aking pagsasaka ay organic and natural, wherein I do not use synthetic fertilizer [at] insecticides,β he stated.
Innovations and Breakthrough
Mang Danny took an innovative approach to feed his fish and livestock with naturally grown azolla and duckweeds. This strategic approach not only reduces his farm expenses but rather provides and creates quality products, which perfectly align with his vision for sustainable agriculture.
This ride of Mang Danny such as taking an innovative approach did not go unnoticed. βI was awarded by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) national level bilang pagkilala sa aking pagfa-farm,β he said. Mang Danny was awarded for his pioneering efforts, a significant breakthrough in his farming career.
Advice for Farmers and Future Farmers
For Mang Danny, being able to be an LSA Cooperator holds a key responsibility to share his advocacies and experiences with the future and todayβs farmers. He attests that it is farmersβ privilege to utilize and adopt new technologies provided by the government which maximizes farming capabilities.
βFarming is not a poor job but a decent and good earning job, wherein, we are proud; all of us, farmers, can be proud of telling I am a farmer,β Mang Danny stated.Β Β Β
As an LSA Cooperator, Mang Danny challenged the farmers and future farmers to never stop learning because of rising innovations that could help their vision to harvest fruits of reality.
Written by:Β Karl Allen Veneracion Aquino
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