Starting all over again is never an easy journey, but for Regalino Pilar, it became an inspiring testament to resilience and determination. After enduring the hardships of bankruptcy, lost investments, and the dark grips of vice, Mr. Pilar, he found himself at a crossroads. The life he and his wife, Rosita Pilar, had built after dedicating years as overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) seemed to crumble around them, leaving them with nothing but life lessons and an unwavering spirit to begin anew.
For 23 years, the couple worked tirelessly abroad, saving diligently to invest in a prosperous buy-and-sell business for palay (rice) and corn. Initially, success came quickly. Their unique position in the market, free from competition, allowed them to thrive. They expanded their operations, bought properties, and enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle. However, as Regalino later reflected, “Sa sobrang kampante ko, hindi ko namalayang nauubos na pala ang pinahirapan ko.” (I was so relaxed that I didn't realize I was losing everything I had worked for.)
The allure of an easy life drew him into a downward spiral. Sadly, Regalino lost everything—their business, properties, and even the house they had built through years of hard work. Stripped of his possessions, he was left with a heavy heart and just 20,000 pesos from the proceeds of their sold house.
A New Beginning
With no other choice, Regalino and Rosita moved across the river to his mother's house. It was here that they began to rebuild their lives. Armed with renewed determination, they renovated their new home and cultivated the land around them. Starting with a backyard garden, they planted seeds that would one day flourish into various crops, including cacao, calamansi, vegetables, and livestock.
“Mahirap lalo na at nasanay kami sa buhay na madali ang lahat. Pero kaylangan kong kumita at magpatuloy sa buhay" he said, acknowledging the challenge of adapting to a new, more difficult reality.
Regalino's efforts began to bear fruit through hard work and dedication. His journey took an unexpected turn when he was appointed president of the TAMBULAW Association, inheriting the role from his late father. Under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), he led a significant project focused on bamboo production, planting thousands of seedlings across 200 hectares of land—an opportunity that reignited hope in his life.
Seizing Opportunities
Regalino Pilar together with his personnel, a welcoming smile for their visitors.
The positive changes didn’t stop there. A chance encounter with a retired employee from the Department of Agriculture opened new doors. The friend recognized the potential of Regalino's farm to become a farm site or school. Regalino reached the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) to gain accreditation and expand his opportunities.
Adding to his good fortune, he received word from a cousin at TESDA, who informed him that his farm could also become a Training and Assessment Center. With grit and determination, Regalino and Rosita gathered and submitted the requirements.
“Pag may itinanim, may aanihin" he expressed, emphasizing the rewards of their hard work.
Their efforts paid off when Pilar Integrated Farm was accredited by both ATI and TESDA as a Training and Assessment Center, offering courses in Agricultural Crops Production NC II. The first batch of graduates walked proudly off the stage on May 3, 2024, marking a significant milestone in their new journey.
Building a Legacy
Thanks to Regalino's unyielding determination, he could not only support his household financially but also provide educational opportunities for his children. “Napagtapos ko ang aking dalawang anak sa kursong nursing at marine engineering,” he beamed, demonstrating the impact of their hard work.
Pilar Integrated Farm transcended its original purpose, evolving into a community hub that fosters growth, learning, and support for local farmers and their families, Regalino envisions establishing a mutually beneficial relationship with neighbors
and fellow agriculturists, supplying fresh, organic produce to local markets and vendors.
“Kung kaya ko, kaya din nila," he declared, encouraging others to rise up. "Sa dami ng aking pinagdaanan, natutunan kong huwag sumuko dahil hindi pa huli ang lahat para magsimula muli." (With everything I’ve been through, I’ve learned not to give up because it’s never too late to start again.)
Inspiring a Community
In life, obstacles and failures are inevitable, but Regalino's story reminds us that resilience can lead to remarkable transformations. "The one who falls and gets up is stronger than the one who never tried," he wisely notes.
His commitment to giving back to the community he once struggled in embodies the spirit of hope. "I want to impact my community and my fellow farmers whenever there’s an opportunity. We believe there’s beauty and many hopes across the river,” he said, his voice brimming with passion for the future.
Regalino Pilar’s journey is an inspiring testament to resilience, the power of hard work, and the belief that everyone can rise again, no matter how many times they have stumbled. His life stands as a beacon of hope for those who dare to dream and
start anew, proving that with determination, anything is possible.
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