Behind every meal is a story of sacrifice and a set of hands stained by the soil. This is the story of a young man who chose to get his hands dirty, not just to survive, but to cultivate a legacy.
Meet Jose Mendoza, a 29-year-old pioneering graduate of the 2023 Youth Internship Program on Organic Agriculture (YIPOA) from Balanga City, Bataan, Jose's story is a testament to the fact that with dedication and a willingness to get your hands dirty, the future of farming is not just sustainable, it's incredibly profitable.
A Global Mindset for Local Soil
Jose's journey into agriculture began at a young age in Balanga City, Bataan, where he was exposed to the joys and struggles of farm life. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a major in Crop Science from Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU), but his education didn't stop there. From September 2017 to September 2018, he joined the Agro-Studies program in Israel. At Eliraz Shamuel's Grape Farm, he spent five days a week immersed in hands-on farming and machinery operation, with one day dedicated to lectures. This international experience was transformative, solidifying his view of farming not just as a livelihood, but as a dynamic business.
From Chickens to Buffalo: A Resilient Path
After graduating in 2019, Jose joined his provincial 4-H club in 2022. The City Agriculturist introduced him to youth programs, including "Binhi ng Pag-asa," where he received a starter kit of ten free-range chickens. However, a temporary absence led to his business failing. Jose's passion for farming remained strong. In 2023, he joined ATI-Central Luzon's YIPOA program, spending nine months at his farm partner, Teves Integrated Family Farm. Upon completing the program, he was awarded a ₱150,000 grant for his business proposal, A dairy buffalo farm.
Milking Success and Diversifying the Dream
At the age of 29, Jose's dairy business began to take off. Using the grant, he bought a mother buffalo and her calf. Through consistent effort, he began producing milk, his primary source of income. He now milks his buffalo for 10-18 bottles of milk a day, earning up to ₱20,000 a month. This income has not only supported his family but also allowed him to reinvest and expand his farm. With his savings, he bought another female buffalo, and one of his buffalo gave birth. A total of 4 buffalos now.
However, Jose also faces the realities of farming. Milk production temporarily decreased when his buffalo became pregnant, and he struggles with the shrinking availability of land for grazing and bathing due to infrastructure development. “Sa pag-aalaga ng buffalo, may kahirapan, kailangan mayroon kang tiyaga, katulad ngayon, lumiliit na ang ating mga sugaan, dahil sa mga nadedevelop na (infrastructure), kaya kailangan magtiyagang mangumpay ng damo at sa pag-aalga nito kinakailngan ng paliguan o source of water upang hindi sila mangayayat at mamatay,” Jose quipped.
In response, Jose is diversifying. With his earnings from the dairy business, he bought two sows that have since produced eleven piglets, for his diligence, his farm is gradually growing. In addition to his rice crops, he now raises various livestock. He even purchased three Landrace piglets with the profits from his buffalo's milk.
Despite receiving offers to work in agriculture offices, he chose to continue farming for himself, “Mas masaya ako sa ginagawa ko, kaya pinili ko ang pagsasaka. Gusto ko kasi hawak ko yung oras ko, kaya mas pinili ko ang pagsasaka at tyaka dito ang sipag mo sigiuradong masusulit, kasi mas sumisipag ka mas kikita ka, kaya mas pinili ko ito kaysa mag trabaho sa labas.”
A Call to the Next Generation
Jose's life is a powerful testament to the idea that with perseverance, any dream can be realized. He is a prime example of how the support from agencies like ATI can create a ripple effect of success. He hopes to expand his herd to more than ten buffalo in the coming years.
Jose's message to other young people is clear, “Mag-engage sa pagsasaka, dahil sa sipag at tiyaga tiyak ay kikita ka at sa mga anak ng magsasakang tulad ko, ituloy lamang po natin dahil ang bilang ng magsasaka sa ating bansa ay paunti ng paunti, sana po ay ituloy natin upang masecure natin ang food security ng ating bansa.”
Indeed, every bit of mud and hard work sustains a hungry nation and gives hope to the farmers who feed us.
His story proves that farming is a noble profession that can provide a prosperous life. With every drop of sweat and every bit of soil on his hands, Jose is not only building a successful business but also helping to feed a nation and inspire a new generation of agripreneurs.
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