A certified farmer, a teacher and a trainer – that is Victorino Bayed.
From the paddies to the lecture halls, Bayed’s story traces its root back into farming. It was farming that sustained his family needs and it was the same endeavor that earned him a degree in Forestry. He was a tender of the land during his childhood years and still is up to the present time.
Banking on hard work, Bayed is successfully managing three hectares of rice seed production area while simultaneously serving as a college dean and as a resource speaker in two RCEF Learning Sites for Agriculture in Rizal, Kalinga.
“Maragsakanak nga mangibingbingay kadagijay kaamuwak iti kapagayan, nangnangruna no makitkitak ngay nga tultuladaen da met,” (It is my joy to impart my knowledge on rice farming especially when I see that these are being emulated).
Mr. Bayed was a graduate of the Training of Trainers (TOT) on Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seeds, and Farm Mechanization. This training equipped him with valuable knowledge on various technologies which are continually being integrated into his own farming practices and are being passed on to neighboring farmers as well.
A journey towards becoming
Before venturing into seed production, Victorino Bayed engaged in traditional rice farming, cultivating crops for both personal consumption and the market. His awareness of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), implemented through RA 11203, also known as the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), and its various component programs sparked his interest. Inspired by this knowledge, he proactively contacted Mr. Nasser Rey Juan of OMAG-Rizal, expressing his eagerness to participate in any training programs organized within their municipality.
In 2019, Mr. Bayed initially participated in Training of Trainers (TOT) focused on the Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seeds, and Farm Mechanization. A few months later, he received another invitation for the Inbred Rice Seed Production and Certification Training Program, designed for potential seed growers. This was organized by DA-ATI-RTC-CAR in collaboration with DA-RFO-CAR, PhilRice and BPI-NSQCS.
The training played a pivotal role in Mr. Bayed's journey towards becoming a successful seed producer. Shortly after completing the training program and satisfying all the necessary requirements of the BPI-NSQCS, he acquired a certification as a seed grower. This achievement not only validated his diligence but also qualified him to actively participate in the RCEF production and distribution of high-quality seeds. Through his collaboration with the Matagoan Agriculture Cooperative, Mr. Bayed was able to contribute to the production and distribution of these premium seeds which further fortified his role as a key player in the agricultural sector in his own community.
Farming served as a stress reliever for Mr. Bayed particularly when he sees his crops growing abundantly. He set aside time in the morning and in the afternoon, outside of his class session, to visit his fields and nurture his crops.
“Ngem syempre no seed producer ka masapol nga kitaem nga nakacomply ka ejay quality ti seed nga iprodproduce mo. Dapat no seed producer ka nalinis day talon mo, tapno masiguradok day kinalinis na, paspasyarek dayta talon ko kada alas siyete ti agsapa sakbayak nga agreport ditoy eskwelaan ken ti malem no malpas ti office hours. (But of course, as a seed producer, it is essential for you to ensure compliance with the quality standards of seed you produce. As a seed producer, you must keep your fields clean to guarantee its cleanliness. I personally inspect my fields every day at seven in the morning, right after reporting to the school and in the afternoon after office hours).
Accordingly, before the TOT, Mr. Bayed implemented proper care and maintenance for his seedlings. However, he faced challenges concerning the timing of fertilizer application as well as managing pest and disease on his rice crops. He would apply fertilizer whenever he wanted and would occasionally spray insecticides whenever he saw his neighbors doing so.
After the training, he learned to apply the three Rs of fertilizer application: Right Timing, Right Amount, and Right Element. He also started following the 40-day rule for insecticide spraying. Moreover, he integrated the appropriate planting distance for his rice seedlings in his seed production. During the wet season, he followed a 20 by 20 cm planting distance, while during the dry season, he adopted a 15 by 20 cm planting distance. Mr. Bayed stressed that achieving a high yield goes beyond simply considering the number of seedlings per hill. He highlighted the crucial role of PalayCheck System, a holistic and well-rounded approach to agricultural practices in order to achieve desired results.
With the integration of the Palay Check System, Mr. Bayed witnessed significant improvements in his seed production. In his personal experience, he achieved a minimum net income of P100,000.00 per cropping season in one hectare of land, depending on effective farm management. Across his three hectares of farmland, his average income ranged from P300, 000 to 400,000. As a result of these achievements, Mr. Bayed was able to acquire a brand-new car, which he now utilizes for various purposes, including facilitating farming operations and attending his personal work engagements. The car serves as a valuable asset in supporting his efforts and in providing efficient transportation for both his agricultural responsibilities and other commitments. Furthermore, Mr. Bayed wisely allocated a portion of his income to support his children's education, enabling them to pursue higher education in prestigious institutions such as the University of the Philippines Los Baños and a university in Australia. This displays his dedication to their academic success and his belief in the transformative power of education.
Trainee turned trainer
Mr. Bayed's journey as a trainer was instigated with the encouragement of Mr. Johnny Carillo, farm operator of the Green Valley Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA). Mr. Carillo inspired him to realize importance of sharing his knowledge, techniques, and experiences gained from his Training of Trainers (ToT) program especially to farmers confined to traditional farming practices.
For 2019-2020, he actively served as trainer at the DBM Agricultural Farm School and Greenvalley Farm Schools, imparting his expertise to hundreds of rice farmers focused on the PalayCheck System and Farm Mechanization. Throughout this experience, he discovered a profound sense of comfort and excitement in interacting with fellow farmers fueling his dedication to continually serve as a trainer.
Ken as regards ejay panag assist tayo ejay LSA’s apapan tayo ejay no ada waya tayo tapno makaibingay tayo kadagijay nadumaduma a wagas nga rumbeng a masurot no agtaltalon tayo. Ken mayat metlang ta makaimimpluwensiya tayo ta syempre dagijay isursurok kenyada kt ada makitkita da nga pruweba ijay farm ko sunga handa nga makwestyunaran day ibagbagak”. (Regarding our assistance in the LSAs, we should be present whenever possible to provide guidance to the farmers who are genuinely eager to learn and improve their farming practices. It is essential that we make a positive impact and influence them through the knowledge and evidence we present from our own farms, so that they will be ready to accept the advice I offer without questioning it.)
As a trainer, he prioritizes ensuring that participants fully grasp the knowledge he shares. During his sessions, he consistently reminds them not to fear trying out new techniques or innovations that could potentially contribute to higher yields and increased income.
Through his proactive approach and commitment to continuous learning, Victorino Bayed embarked on a transformative journey that directed him from being a traditional rice farmer into a certified seed producer and trainer. His dedication to staying informed and actively seeking opportunities for growth has been instrumental in his success.
“Maysa lang met ti mangmotmotivate kanyak nga mangituloy ditoy araramidek a kas trainer diay ket diay makitak ngay nga araramiden da day maisursuro kenyada. Tapos agsubli da kanyak nga isistoryaen da day increase ejay apit da ket nagmayat lang nga dengen nga. Ket ejay kametten nga makapanonot nga through jay assistance mo ket pimintas day apit da,”(There is one thing that motivates me to continue what I am doing; it is when I see those participants applying what I have taught them. When they come back to me and share the improvements in their yield, it brings me great joy. It is in these moments that I realize the impact of my assistance and how it positively affects their outcomes.) Bayed ended.// Esjay Zausa and Jaypee Na-oy
