“My love for farming was influenced by the members of the family”, shares Ms. Leila S. Apita as she never imagined that after finishing her bachelor’s degree, her future would take her back to the fields.
Ms. Apita graduated in 2003 with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Major in Mathematics. Growing up, her family is directly involved in agriculture. Little did she know that the experiences shared by her family would eventually lead her to the world of agriculture.
Her Humble Beginnings
Before her engagement in the field of agriculture, she worked as a factory worker in Taiwan for three years. After completing her contract, she made the decision to return home, saying, “Iba pa rin ang nandito sa Pilipinas, iba pa rin ang kasama mo ang pamilya mo. At least alam mong secured sila, (It’s still different living here in the Philippines, when you’re with your family. Knowing that they are secure).” Her desire to be close to her family ultimately drew her back, despite the opportunities she had abroad.
Going back to the country, farming became the primary source of income for her family alongside her husband. She never imagined that she would be able to establish a learning environment that would support and empower her fellow farmers in the community.
In 2020, she had the opportunity to participate in the training of trainers on production of high-quality inbred rice and seeds and farm mechanization. This learning accomplishment pushed her to become a trainer and facilitator at Shavcer’s Farming School owned by Ms. Virginia Sacki at Bantay Tabuk City, Kalinga.
Towards Learning Site for Agriculture
Her satisfaction as a trainer shifted when she was encouraged by her colleagues and family member to establish her own learning field. “Idi damo nga agpayso ket ag alanganen ak, ta hanko amo no kayak ba nga imanage ken day problema iti financial aspect. Ken haan ko amo no kasanuk nga rugian, (At first, I was hesitant, I doubled my ability to manage it properly and I was concerned about the financial aspect. I also didn’t know where to start)”.
Her first major investment was the establishment of the learning area in her field. She thought that the amount of P150,000.00 from the Agricultural Training Institute was enough to establish the learning area, but it was not. Luckily, her family stood with her, providing her additional financial and moral support. With their assistance she was able to complete her learning area.
Behind her little-by-little progress was her mother Ms. Marcelina V. Saquing, a retired supervising agriculturist at the Office of the City Agriculture Services, Tabuk City, Kalinga. “Actually ni mother ti nangipush kanyak to continue ti panang establish ti daytoy nga learning site. Ket ediay ko ngay nga nakita nga ada pailang day passion na nga agserve ken mangtulong iti pada nga manalon. Diay panang alalakoy na kanyak nga diay ket iso ngay ti nangalaak ti motivation nga rugian ken paspasan nga earamid dagitoy papeles na daytoy farm school, (Actually it was my mother who pushed me to continue the establishment of this learning site. I saw her passion to serve and help the local farmers in our community. Her continuous encouragement has motivated me to start and fast track the process of the needed requirements).”
Unfortunately, after establishing her farm there was no available slot for the province. Which led her to decide to join the Rice Specialist Training Course organized by DA-PhilRice-Isabela. In hindsight, she saw the unavailability of the slot as a blessing. The RSTC enabled her to master the entire rice production process including managing of pest and diseases, weeds and overall farm management. Participating in the RSTC proved to be a valuable experience, as it equipped her with knowledge and skills that she could apply not only in her current farming practices but also in future endeavours related to rice production.
In 2022, she was given slots to conduct Farmer Field School on the Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice and Seeds and Farm Mechanization. She admitted that the greatest challenge in conducting the FFS is convincing learners to embrace the technologies and innovations being taught to them. But she was able to overcome by involving her learners through a hands-on demonstration.
“You need to show tangible results of what you are teaching. To complement what we have been teaching, I have made sure that my family and I practice the very same techniques that we are teaching”, she explained.
“Maragsakanak tadta ta ada ti agsubsubli kanyami nga training graduates requesting ti assistance maipanggep ti panag usar ken panagbulod ti machinery para ti panagisagana ti pagmolaan ti pagay, (I am happy that farmers are requesting for our assistance in the use of machines for land preparation)”.
For her, farming is not just about planting crops; it is about cultivating strong relationships with the community and uplifting others through knowledge sharing. Working together towards a sustainable future. Through years of experience, she learned that passion, dedication and respect are the keys to making an impact and encourage local farmers to adopt with new technologies and innovations.
As she continues to empower local farmers, she hopes that RCEF would continue to support trainers and administrators to reach communities that has a low access to technologies.
To my fellow farmers, never stop learning. There are so many technologies available to help us increase our production. Don’t lose hope, and always keep your faith strong”, she concludes.
Story by:
