“Resilience, passion, and dedication to community service”, shares Ms. Alma Mae C. Cortez after leaving Taiwan as Textile Machine Operator and started her new career as a trainer and facilitator to her fellow farmers in the municipality of Pinukpuk, Kalinga.
Ms. Cortez is a Juris Doctor and a former Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who began her journey as a trainer at Honorio Clemencia’s Farm. Her career as a trainer started in Agricultural Crop Production, assisting her fellow farmers in the City of Tabuk.
Her humble beginnings
Transitioning to agriculture was not an easy journey for her and her husband since her degree is not directly related to the agriculture field. At first, adapting to the practical and technical demands of farming was a major challenge, which drives her to look for opportunities that would help enhance her skills.
“Edi damo talaga marigatan ak ta daytoy talon me nga daytoy ket inpaububra mi lang, sunga zero knowledge ak ta ejay kami Baguio nga nag iiyan. Sunga daytoy area edi ket puro kapagayan, kamaisan ken ada lang ti 80 hills nga manga. Before, I am very truthful ken honest nga I am not really interested into agriculture, into farming sunga kasla binaybay-an mi lang daytoy nga area edi. (“At first, it was hard since we hire other people to work on this field, that’s why I really had a zero knowledge as regards to farming since we had stayed in Baguio City. Back then, this area was planted with rice, corn, and only about 80 hills of mango trees. Honestly, I wasn’t really interested in agriculture or farming, so I ended up neglecting this area back then).”
Her journey to agriculture paves its way when she was tapped by Mr. Honorio Clemencia to become a trainer under the Agricultural Crop Production. Through this, she was equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills in the various stages of farming. This lead her to improve her farm area at Pinukpuk, Kalinga to produce different variety of crops and other fruit trees.
In 2019, she had the opportunity to join the Training of Trainers on Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seeds and Farm Mechanization and in 2021 she finished the Rice Specialist Training Course organized by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute- Isabela (DA-PhilRice-Isabela). This experience inspired her to become a trainer specializing in the production of high-quality inbred rice, seeds, and farm mechanization ultimately leading her to embrace farming as her permanent profession in the country.
Towards Learning Site for Agriculture
Being accredited as a Learning Site for Agriculture was not an easy journey for her. Her first attempt to apply was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic. She also struggled with self-doubt. Observing the administrators of RCEF-LSAs, whom were a national awardee farmers made her question whether she was capable to achieving the same level of success.
These challenges led her to sell some of her properties in the locality and reconsider her application, she even reached a point where she contemplated abandoning her efforts and returning to work abroad. However, Mr. Clemencia encouraged her not to lose hope and to continue enhancing her farm. He assured her that by enhancing her farm and preparing it well she would be ready for any future visits from the validation team.
“Actually, idi nagtawag ni sir Clemencia offering nga ti ATI ket agbirbirok ti ma establish nga LSA ket mejo nag alanganin ak ta kala han ko kaya nga e level day status ko kenyana. Then di inbagak nga kala han ko kayaen ken kala kayat kon nga ibati dagijay narugiak ditoy tas agsubli ak working abroad ket kunan na piman nga agabroad ka ket aprehas lang ti earnings ken uray man dakdakdakel ngem ti maysa nga han na magatadan dayta ket tay ada ka ditoy nga kadwam dagita pamilyam. Ket diay ti maysa nga nang attaract kanyak then kunana nga tulongan dak ken esuro na no kasanu ti ikasta na. (Sir Clemencia called to inform me that ATI was looking for an LSA to establish. I was hesitant because I felt my status wasn’t sufficient. I expressed my doubts saying I wasn’t sure if I could handle it and that I was thinking of leaveing what I had started to go back to work abroad. He reassured me, saying that even though working abroad might offer higher earnings, it would still be similar to what i could make here. More importantly he emphasized that the one thing money can’t buy is the quality time spent with family. That resonated with me and became one of the factors that drew me in. He also assured that he would help and guide me through the process).”
The statement she received from Mr. Clemencia was her turning point and deciding factor to continue and diligently improve her farm. Indeed, in July 02,2021, she receive her certificate as an accredited Learning Site for Agriculture under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Program.
With her accreditation as LSA, she assisted more farmers in her community. She introduced new rice farming technologies and innovations in her municipality increased yield and income and improved livelihood of her fellow farmers.
Apart from rice production technologies, she integrated learning courses on food processing such as baking and making of chips among others.
Also, her sorghum production, which she manage alongside her husband, has provided them with a valuable source of additional income, further diversifying their livelihood and strengthening their financial stability.
From 2020, she was able to assist and train 1,650 farmers from the City of Tabuk and Municipality of Pinukpuk, Kalinga. Her assistance to farmers did not just end with training but also linked some of her fellows to the Department of Trade and Industry- Kalinga Provincial Office to receive extension service activities such as trainings on food processing.
Also, her income from the farm school enabled them to send her children into a private school and support some of her relatives.
“I was once in their shoes- full of dreams but held back by financial challenges. As long as I see their drive to suceed, I will help them. I want to give them the chance to succeed, so they, too, can reach a point where they can help others in turn”, shares Ms. Alma.
Alma’s impact on the community was profound and served as an inspiration to the women in their community. “Our learning in the Farmer Field School were very helpful, especially for me as i wasn’t very familiar with rice farming. I remember a time when I only knew how to eat rice, but upon completing the course I gained valuable knowledge on proper rice management and how to increase yields. Additionaly, through Ate Alma’s guidance, we were inspired to always go for what we want to achieve, regardless of the trials that come along way”, states Gemma C. Garcia, a graduate of FFS in the year 2022.
As she witnessed her graduates applying what they learned on their own farms, she experiences a deep sense of fulfillment and reward. Seeing the tangible improvements in their practice brought her joy and satisfaction, serving as a testament that her efforts and service are making difference.
“The gratitude and inspiration I witness in the eyes of the farmers, especially the women who have found new strength and confidence through our training programs is my drive to continue. It is not just about imparting knowledge but it’s about fostering a community of resilience and empowerment. By sharing my expertise and passion, I am not only contributing to the improvement of our farmers’ lives but also to the overall progress of our community,” she concluded.
Story by:
