Features

It was a simple interview with Ronna Mae Pulido, a YIPOA graduate of the DA-ATI-RTC-CAR YIPOA program in 2024.  The conversation reflected her maturity on how she sees sustainable farming through organic agriculture (OA).  

Ronna, 25, is graduate of Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education at the Benguet State University. After completing her college, she dreams of exploring the world

On the quiet slopes of Barangay San Pascual, Tuba, Benguet, where morning fog blankets vibrant green fields, Jenylyn Vicente tends to her life’s work at Shadsak Integrated Farm. At 31, with two daughters and a husband who drives a taxi and helps on the farm, she is building more than a livelihood—she is shaping a legacy rooted in soil, community, and knowledge.

Farming has been part of her life

Against the backdrop of the northwestern highlands of Benguet, where farming is deeply rooted in daily life, Junard "Nadnad" Titiwa Bagnisen has emerged as a young visionary with a passion for community-driven agricultural development. Growing up in a modest farming environment, Junard's interest in technical design began to take shape early on, sparking a journey that blends traditional

As the youngest of five and as someone who just seems to take education more seriously during her high school days, Karen saw how her siblings’ interest in profession differed from each other – Nurse, Financial Manager, and Law Enforcement Officer. The situation sparked Karen “Sagun” Tindowen Tocya's (25) curiosity in what area of the profession she should take. 

THE HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

C

Organic farming remains an internationally recognized approach to sustainable agriculture. The Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, and the IFOAM – Organics International affirm the “role of organic agriculture in overarching sustainability strategies such as the Sustainable Development Goals.” The World of Organic Agriculture 2026, a global report on organic agriculture of the IFOAM

In Barangay Cawayan, Licuan-Baay, Abra, Felipe Daodaoen had been farming for more than 30 years. A dedicated farmer who is not just growing crops but also cultivating hope and innovation for a food-secure future.

Felipe's farming journey began in the late 1980s and early 1990s, a time when Licuan-Baay has no established access roads, residents like him have to walk for more than 1.5 hours from

“…ask for the ancient path, ask where the good way is, and walk in it…”

“Let us give farming a hope” quips this young Cordilleran lady as she breezily welcomes visitors, neighbors, learners, enthusiasts, and even plain curious visitors to her farm in Cabaritan, Tabuk City, Kalinga. Growing up in Baguio City, Ms. Harriet L. Tenda understood the limitations of small agricultural production areas

The outskirts of Baguio City may seem to be just some sleepy cluster of villages for many. However, amidst these closely linked communities, stories of perseverance, resilience, and innovation are farmed out, grown, and take fruit. Take for example one young farmer in barangay Ucab in the mining municipality of Itogon. Most assume that no agriculture enterprise can be found in Ucab as it is

Visiting the couple, Marcelo and Catrien  Carpio in Shilan, La Trinidad, opened another session for us to hear another lifetime learnings. 

A family of seven, the couple is proud to recognize that through farming their children were able to finish their studies. At present,  all of them are into managing the anthurium production and the couple is still providing guidance to their children 

From Lending Firm to Farm Success: Jenylyn Vicente's Journey

Jenylyn Vicente is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, major in Extension Education from the Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.  Her passion for agriculture led her to start her own farm, Shadsak Integrated Farm, in Barangay San Pascual, Tuba, Benguet. In Ibaloy, "Shadsak” means "happy", which reflects