Features

A small backyard, a few containers, or even a space without soil can become a productive source of fresh and nutritious vegetables. This was among the key lessons learned by 26 selected members of the Cambinoy Palompon Farmers Association (CAPFA) during the Training on the Fundamentals of Crop-Based Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Technologies (Batch 2), held on July 20 to 22, 2026, in

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For many coconut farmers in Biliran and Northern Samar, a mobile phone is usually a source of news, music, or communication. But for several weeks in 2026, the same device became their classroom—bringing lessons on coconut production, processing, diversification, and entrepreneurship directly to their homes and farms.

Through the School-on-the-Air Program (SOA) entitled “Masaganang

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Every grade carried more than a number. Behind each examination were a family’s sacrifices, a student’s dream, and the trust placed in a young person who hoped to build a future in agriculture.

For Ruth Anne P. Nadonga of Eastern Samar State University–Salcedo Campus, maintaining her scholarship while pursuing Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering meant enduring demanding examinations

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For many farmers, cassava—or balanghoy—is a familiar crop passed down through generations. The usual practice is simple: plant available cuttings, care for them using traditional methods, and harvest the roots when they are mature.

However, farmers from Capoocan, Leyte, and Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte, discovered that successful cassava farming involves more than simply placing cuttings

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For Ms. Graciel "Gigi" Gacutan, agriculture has always been more than growing crops—it is about cultivating opportunities, empowering communities, and helping farmers realize their full potential. As the Organic Agriculture Focal Person of the Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center VIII (ATI-RTC 8) and one of the minds in the establishment the Organikong Magsasaka at

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Organic agriculture is slowly making its mark in Eastern Visayas, thanks in part to small farmers in Gandara, Samar who continues to brave the OA challenge. One of them is Mr. Leonilo “Jun”  V. Sumalabe Jr. and his family’s Lolo Pab’s Integrated Farm.

 

Living the legacy

The name Lolo Pab’s Integrated Farm is a homage to the owner of the farm, Mr. Pablo Labalan, the current owner

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For nine months, Mr. Jimboy Montecillo, a young farmer from Ormoc City, embarked on an inspiring journey that transformed his perspective, skills, and passion for organic farming. What began as an internship under the Youth Internship Program on Organic Agriculture (YIPOA) became a life-changing experience that deepened his knowledge and strengthened his commitment to organic agriculture.

A

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“The hard work and sacrifices of my parents, especially my father who is a farmer, inspired me to stay motivated and determined despite the challenges.”

To pursue college was not a question. Without a doubt, their parents are supportive of this. But, to fund two children going to college at once, there must be a plan. Wenalyn and Wella Tuyan, twins, did it together. Fortunately, for them, the

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Marabut, one of the closest municipalities in Samar to Eastern Visayas’ popular tourist destination, the San Juanico bridge, offers a variety of picturesque landscapes, rock formations, and beautiful beaches. It has recently attracted more investors with the increasing number of resorts and beachside developments.

A few of Marabut’s distinct landmarks are the towering rock formations along the

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In the humble municipality of San Isidro, Leyte, lies the San Isidro Crossing Farmers Cooperative (SANCRIFA). SANCRIFA stands as a testament to resilience, collaboration, and innovation. Founded and chaired by Donald Yparraguirre, this cooperative has grown from a small group of like-minded individuals into a transformative organization that uplifts farmers and fishers across their

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