“Enka papapintasen dayta farm ti daduma haan ketdi nga dayta farm mo ti enka isimpa, (Instead of fixing the farm of other people why not focus enhancing your own farm)” Mr. Dumagay recalls how his friends used to tease him, which ultimately motivated him to start cultivating his own land.
Mr. Bonifacio Dumagay is a 65-year-old farmer from the municipality of Pinukpuk. He earned a degree in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Animal Husbandry. With decades of experience in farming, he has willingly shared his expertise to the local farmers in his community by introducing practices and innovations to enhance their farming productivity.
As accredited Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA), his journey was marked by a pursuit of growth, support from government programs, and a commitment to his community.
His Humble Beginnings
Mr. Dumagay, after finishing his degree in 1980, he has pledge his time to managing their own farm since there are no available people who could cultivate their land. During that time the field is planted with corn with limited source of water and growth potential.
Years later, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) expanded their service in the municipality. When water supply was made available in his community, he transitioned his corn field to rice field. However, the inconsistent water supply resulted to a low average yields in his rice production.
Daytoy area tayo ditoy ket ada iti tail end sunga ag awan ag ada iti supply dita irrigation, sunga iso ti maysa nga challenge tayo ditoy nga dakel ti effect na iti yield ti production tayo, (Our area is located at the tail end of the irrigation system hence the water inconsistencies which affected the yield of our production)”, he explained.
He refused to let this challenge hold him back. Instead, he sought opportunities to thrive by experimenting with the integration of various crops including fruit trees and vegetables. Alongside these, he introduced livestock into his farm, allowing him to diversify his income at the same time enriching his knowledge on integrated farming system.
His resourcefulness caught the attention of some personnel in the agriculture sector, offering him the chance to be a farmer leader in their municipality. Through this, he was able to participate in various capability building activities enabling him to benchmark technologies and innovations applicable in his production area. As a farmer leader, he bridged the gaps between his co farmers and government agencies, bringing new techniques and insights directly to the fields. He also participated in Gawad Saka Awards in 2013 enabling him to receive resources and supports to improve his farm.
Along the way, he struggled with his production since they are into traditional farming. “No kitkitaen tayo ket naudi tayo ti technology enya. No ecompare tayo ket adayo nga naparpartak ti panangtrabaho ti machines ken natiptipid. Ngem idi gamin ket nagina ti agavail idi ti kakasta which results metlaeng ti nababa nga adoption idi, (As we see it technology lags behind. Comparing to manual labor, machines are faster and far more efficient. However, in the past, accessing such equipment was costly which resulted into low adoption rates among farmers)”, he claimed.
However, today, access to machineries was made available through associations making these machineries available in their respective localities.
Towards Learning Site for Agriculture
Mr. Dumagay back then, was tapped to become a farm manager by private entities in his nearby municipality. With his skills in landscaping, he developed and improved farms in a well-organized appearance.
Ngem that time ket nakantiawan ak ngay kadagituy kakadwa nga manalon ditoy, ta apay kanun ga enak esisingpa wenu papapintasen ti farm ti sabali nga tao a haan ketdi a tay farm ko ti inak tutukan. (Back then, I was teased by my colleagues that instead of fixing the farm of other people why don’t you just focus on enhancing your own farm)”, he shared.
These sentiments fueled him to finally improve and develop his farm. With the developments made, his farm was utilized by the Department of Agriculture and Philippine Rice Research Institute as a technology demonstration for rice production. Through the demonstrations and training attended, he was encouraged to apply for LSA by the Agricultural Training Institute.
His journey to becoming an LSA was filled with challenges. His initial application was declined because he had not yet met some of the necessary qualifications for the role. Unshaken by this setback, he remained determined. Years later, after fulfilling the required criteria, he reapplied with renewed enthusiasm and was eventually granted the opportunity to serve as an LSA.
When the farm was accredited, he received financial assistance, and used this to build a training hall. The initial funding was not enough, so they took out a small loan to complete the project. His learning area was used to cater to students who participate in the Farmers Field School on Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seeds and Farm Mechanization. Over time, as he earned small profits, he reinvested them to improve the farm, making it conducive for learning.
As a farm administrator, his goal was to ensure that the trainers received as much knowledge as possible, even though there’s no guarantee that they will stay long. With his goal, he sends his trainers to participate in various training courses for them to gain additional knowledge in farming. He wants his trainers to be equipped with valuable skills so they can share with others wherever they go.
In conducting Farmers Field School, he emphasizes practical knowledge, such as proper application of fertilizers, effective land preparation, the use of organic fertilizers, and other techniques. Also, before the conduct of FFS, they would first organize pre-orientation sessions in each barangays ensuring that those interested in enrolling will understand what FFS is and RCE Program. He also integrates lessons beyond rice cultivation.
By teaching integrated farming, he enabled participants to diversify, encouraging them to produce other crops alongside rice that could complement their farm’s productivity and sustainability. For him, maximizing resources available to the community is a great step in streamlining income in the agriculture sector.
For him, his success was rooted in fostering strong relationships with other people. This belief drives his unwavering commitment to helping and sharing his expertise, empowering others to grow and succeed alongside him.
“We only live once, so let’s make our time meaningful by helping others. Everything we learn should be shared openly with those who are willing to embrace it. Someday, when we return to our Creator, people will remember us for the impact we made”, he concludes.
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