From a young age, Honorio Clemencia, 66, followed the footsteps of his parents, embracing a life rooted in farming. Although financial constraints prevented him from completing his own education, farming enabled him to give his five children opportunities he never had. With patience and dedication, Honorio transformed his beginnings into a diversified agricultural enterprise which proves his hard work and vision.
By transforming his farm into an accredited Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA), he was not just able to make it as his source of livelihood but also created a space where farmers with diverse backgrounds can learn, grow, and find inspiration.
Despite being a high school graduate, Honorio’s dedication and vision for farming have earned him recognition and opened opportunities for other farmers. His passion led him to being honored as a national “Gawad Saka Awardee” in 2018, paving way for valuable connections and interventions that have supported his journey.
His Humble Beginnings
“Since 1982, ket nagfarfarming ak en idi inggana iti 1997 nga naawan ti naganak mi. Idi naawan da metten ket inpasublat da kanyakun daytoy talon, ket ejay nga time nga nagfull time ak nga nagtalon, idi 1997 inggana tadtan, (I started farming in 1982 until 1997 when my parents passed away. After their passing, I took over the management of our farm and became a full-time farmer, a commitment I have devoted myself to ever since)”, he recalled.
Farming was a profession that Mr. Clemencia started since he was young. He had been farming rice, vegetables and raising goats, making most of the resources available. Farming helped him send four of his five children to college. He also supported his nieces and nephews who lacked resources, helping them finish their education.
With a vision to improve and develop his products, he saw the potential of diversified farming system integrating various crops into his farm. In 2011, he started developing his farm, carefully planning the lay-out and selecting the appropriate areas for each crops to be planted. He integrated fruit trees, vegetables, livestock and rice in his entire production system. As he worked on improving his farm, the retired City Agriculturist recognized his potential growth and success.
With encouragement and guidance from the agriculture office, Mr. Clemencia documented every single development he incurred in his farm. His journey to the GAWAD-SAKA awards was not easy. In 2015, he made his first attempt for the “Gawad Saka Awards” under the integrated farming category. He successfully advanced to the regional level, but the national award remained elusive. This failure did not stop him to bring home the national award pushing him to continue improving and refining his practices.
Fueled by his determination, in 2018, his perseverance paid off as he finally won the national GAWAD-SAKA Award in rice production under diversified farming.
Despite his meritorious achievements, he continues to face challenges that affect the growth and yields of his agricultural products.
Ti number one nga problem nga talaga nga maenencounter ko ditoy farm ket dagitoy natural calamities tayo. No agtalon kami, dry season kami lang nga talaga nga kumita. Ngem no wet season ket han nga sigurado kasi kaaduwan na ngay ket mabagyo dagiti mula mi no kasjay nga wet season, (The biggest challenge i faced is natural calamities. While we can earn during the dry season, the wet season is unpredictable as storm often damage most of our crops).
Towards Learning Site for Agriculture
Ti number one nga problem nga talaga nga maenencounter ko ditoy farm ket dagitoy natural calamities tayo. No agtalon kami, dry season kami lang nga talaga nga kumita. Ngem no wet season ket han nga sigurado kasi kaaduwan na ngay ket mabagyo dagiti mula mi no kasjay nga wet season, (The biggest challenge i faced is natural calamities. While we can earn during the dry season, the wet season is unpredictable as storm often damage most of our crops).
After each FFS, he conducts monitoring to his graduates, assessing how they implemented their learning in the session. He said, “Many trainees expressed their grattitude for the free programs, as they gained knowledge in which they can apply in their own communities. Some even visit our farm seeking assistance with the machineries they can use in their production”.
In application of the knowledge and skills through the trainings he attended under RCEF, Mr. Clemencia saw an improvement in his rice harvests. Through improved farming practices, the quality of his crops has significantly enhanced, increasing his yield from 120 to 150 cavans per hectare.
Despite the challenges of limited education and the hardships posed by natural calamities, his commitment and dedication has not only transformed his life but also empowered others in his community. Through diversified farming practices and initiative to establish his farm as a Learning Site for Agriculture, he has created a platform where fellow farmers can learn, grow, and thrive.
“To my fellow farmers, I urge you all to take advantage of the numerous opportunities for training, especially those offered by RCEF, TESDA, and ATI. There are many farm schools available here in Ifugao and Kalinga, where you can learn valuable skills to enhance your rice production”, he concluded.
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