Vision for the Future: The Continuing Journey of Bimnette Integrated Farm

Monday, January 27, 2025 - 14:46


Retired professors turned into full-time farm owners and workers.

In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Briddo "Bimboy" Dorado and Nanette Aracelli Dorado, who are both retired professors from Capiz State University in Pontevedra, acquired approximately 1.19 hectares of land from their cousin, Vilma D. Alateit. About half of this land is lowland and is planted with rice. At the same time, the remainder is used for various other crops and animal production, which was known as Bimnette Integrated Farm (BIF), a combination of the couple's nicknames.

Over the past four years since its establishment, BIF has faced significant challenges in becoming what it is today. It is now a Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) that aims to create a sustainable and economically viable community of farmers and fishermen by equipping them with approved farming technologies and helping them effectively utilize these methods.

After Bimboy retired from government service, he envisioned the farm as a simple facility for relaxation and a potential venue for research to discover, validate, and verify various agricultural theories and practices. He envisions the farm as a source of fresh farm products for their household. "Maraming hirap na pinagdaanan, pero pag ang hirap nilagyan ng sipag masusulosyonan," Bimboy said while  said, emphasizing the importance of hard work in overcoming challenges.

However, observations revealed that farming in the locality was not economically viable due to environmental factors such as climate and human behavior, attitudes, and technical knowledge, which negatively impacted farm productivity and family income. Bimboy realized that long-term interventions were necessary to address these pressing issues faced by farmers, many of whom are marginalized and rely primarily on rice farming for their income.

To find a long-term solution, he believed the challenges could only be overcome through concerted efforts from the private and public sectors, particularly by establishing a viable extension program to enhance farmers' skills and shift their attitudes and behaviors toward profitable and sustainable farming practices.

Bimnette Integrated Farm is an accredited Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) in Western Visayas.


“Gusto ko bigyan ng kalaman ang mga magsasaka, lalo na yung mga kabataan sa panibagong teknolohiya,” he further expressed. The BIF was established as a demonstration or training venue for farmers and others involved in agriculture, helping them acquire relevant knowledge and skills in approved farming technologies to sustain their livelihoods. It also aims to build strong connections with individuals and agencies for a sustainable extension program.

A humble start for Bimnette Integrated Farm - the establishment of a training hall where all dreams commence.


On December 1, 2021, BIF was considered and evaluated by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Regional Training Center VI for inclusion in its extension program as a Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) through the endorsement of DA-LGU Panitan. The farm received a Certificate of Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Learning Site for Agriculture (RCEF-LSA) and financial support for constructing a training hall shortly thereafter.

BIF’s simple landscape that includes a pathway through their fruits and vegetables garden.

In 2022, Bimnette Integrated Farm began conceptualizing activities aligned with the DA RCEPs, fully functioning as a Learning Site and farm school. It also applied for the TESDA scholarship program for farmers' training entitled "Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice, Seed Certification, and Farm Mechanization." Bimboy sent a team of trainers to undergo Training of Trainers (TOT) conducted by ATI for this program; however, TESDA has yet to take action on the application, and the training program remains on standby.

Nevertheless, they persisted. TESDA programs the following year, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors. Before the end of 2023, the farm qualified for the Agricultural Crops Production NCIII program. As 2024 began, TESDA awarded the farm the Certificate of TVET Program Registration (CTPR) and issued the Notice to Proceed for conducting the training activity.

Participants fill in the new training hall of BIF where learning and experience collide.

“Masaya ako na nakapagtapos ang aking first batch sa kanilang ACP NCIII,” Bimboy said. The first training batch began on April 16, 2024, with nineteen 19 participants, and concluded in July 2024. TESDA has also approved a new training batch to start in October of this year. Additionally, the farm school is working towards becoming an Assessment Center to support the assessment activities for trainees after completion.

To comply with TESDA's Training Regulation standards and support other farm programs, BIF is continuously improves its physical facilities (including buildings, laboratories, and demonstration areas) and procures necessary tools, equipment, and materials. In close partnership with DA, the farm has recently acquired a composting facility for biodegradable waste to produce organic fertilizer, supporting the country's organic agriculture program.

Currently, Bimnette Integrated Farm offers training, research, and other initiatives to reinforce its commitment to farmer education and sustainable practices.

 


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