Other people doubted him due to his educational background. “Enya ngay ti kaya na dayta nga ag Learning Site ket haan pay nga nakalipas ti iskwela na, (How can he perform as a Learning Site if he was not able to finish his studies),” Freddie recalled. However, this judgement and his eagerness to help other people was his stepping stone and motivation to continue and process his papers to become accredited Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA).
“Ngem para kanyak ket ti panpanonotek idi ket tay ikastak nga makatulong ti pada a manalon, ta haan met nga tay natorpos ti pagbasaran no kayat ta nga makatulong iti pada tayo nga manalon, (But for me, what matters is the desire to help fellow farmers, it is not about having a formal education, but it is about the desire to help other people in farming).”
Mr. Freddie Pacion is a 36-year-old farmer from the municipality of Rizal, Kalinga. He was also elected as a Barangay Kagawad and designated as chair under the committee on Agriculture. Throughout his journey as a farmer, Kagawad and farm administrator, he was supported by his wife Ms. Rowena Pacion.
His Humble Beginnings
Since he was young, his eyes were opened in the world of agriculture. It has become the backbone and the source of living of his family. Farming was the only livelihood he knew since his parents who had not completed their education, relied solely on it to sustain their household. He assisted his father in tilling and cultivating land from planting to harvesting their crops. This experience enabled him to master the process in crop production.
When he got married, his father entrusted him a piece of land to cultivate. It was the first land he worked on with his wife. As they grew and learn from their experiences, they decided to buy another parcel of land expanding their area to manage. A better way for him to supply the food on the table for his family.
Diay farming ket isu ngay ti nag alaan mi ti pagbiyagan, nagbalin met nga source ti makan. Instead nga agatang ka, why not nga agsarili ka ngay nga agmula ti pagay mo, tapno ada iti apitem. At least safe pai diayen. Instead met nga gumatang ka kadagita karne, kas kada ta manok, agala ka na lang ditoy farm. Isunga maymayat diyayen tapno libre tay kanem ken amom nga safe ta sika ti nangtaraken, (Farming is our main livelihood and it is also the source of our food. Instead of buying rice, why not grow your own? This way, we were able to harvest for our own consumption. Instead of buying meat and chicken, you can just get it from the farm. You are assured that it is safe to consume).”
His experience and knowledge in farming has provided sustenance for his family. Despite the odds, he is still committed to continue farming and sharpen his knowledge to various technologies to help him in his entire production area.
Towards Learning Site for Agriculture
Mr. Pacion acknowledged that his knowledge and skills in farming were not sufficient. In 2020 he took the initiative to join in the Farmers Field School on production of High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seeds and Farm Mechanization implemented by Green Valley Farm School. His participation to the FFS introduced him to the concept of becoming an LSA.
After some time in 2021, his farm was accredited as a learning site with the help of his nephews and the municipal agriculture office of Rizal. In the same year, he was able to participate in the Training of Trainers on Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seeds and Farm Mechanization. His learning gained in this session was his tool in assisting farmers in his community through the implementation of FFS.
As a learning site, his farm is not just focused on single crop. He has a diversified farm integrating livestock and vegetables in his rice production. Apart from rice, he also produce ampalaya and livestock. Through diversified farming he has been able to minimize risks associated with crop failure, ensuring a steady flow of income throughout the year. He shares this technology of him is shared to the farmers by his community through integrating it to the module of his FFS.
No agconconduct ak iti FFS, ket napintas ngay nga makitkita da daytoy location ti farm ta atleast nga makita da nga integrated ngay dagitoy ada ditoy nga mula ken makita da nga nagpintas ti rubwat na diay pagay. So ejay ket hanak en marigatan nga mangiexplain kadagitoy technology ta makitkita dan day mayat nga effect na no surusruten tayo day technology nga isursuro tayo, (In the conduct of FFS, we show how everything is integrated. Participants can see the crops growing and observe the rice field. So, it’s not hard for me to explain the technology because they can see the positive results when we follow the methods we’re teaching)”, he claimed.
Seeing his farm grow, he implements innovative techniques that bridge the gap between traditional farming and modern agricultural practices. He ensures that his students would foster camaraderie and trust with each other, so even after completing their session, they would continue to support each other as they return to their respective communities. During the conduct of FFS, he includes practical session for students, such as synchronized field activities, encouraging teamwork and leadership among the students.
Today, his farm continues to receive support and interventions from various agencies. Apart from the FFS funded under TESDA, he also accepts FFS from the Department of Agriculture. For him, these programs are essential in empowering farmers in his community and equipping them with the latest agricultural techniques. He sees every training session as an opportunity not only to improve his own practices but also to help others succeed.
He envisions broadening the scope of his services. He plans to expand his farm’s offering by incorporating other commodities and services to widen opportunities for learners.
“Ket no sumamoen tayo ket ti purpose na met daytoy farm school tayo ket tapno makatulong tayo iti papada nga manalon. Ket incase nga awan iti funding tayo ti FFS ket ituloy tayo ladta ti operation na daytoy LSA. Welcome ladta dagiti papada nga manalon nga umay agdamag weno makipag adal ti technology, (The purpose of establishing of LSA is to support our fellow farmers in the community. Even if funding for FFS will stop, the farm school will continue to operate. Farmers will still be welcome to seek assistance and learn new technologies in farming).”
He also encourages farmers in his community to embrace new technologies in their production process, reassuring them that these innovations can bring about transformative change. By adopting modern techniques, he believes farmers can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and boost crop yields, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and prosperous future.
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