Still lost for words, reminiscing the moment when my project – the Ecologic Integrated Farm was chosen for the Young Farmer’s Challenge 2022, always leads me back to my greatest “Why”, its roots and the story behind my recently-achieved success.
Doing the things you love while aiming to help others result in greater things.
It was not an easy road, to begin with. But working on something with fueled heart-driven passion could really take you far. It was a goal that was rooted in purpose and service not just for self, but for the local community.
For some, farming and agriculture are not catchy words that fit best for social media trends. Vlogger’s Era set this illusion that luxurious travels, branded items and other material things are the keys to fulfillment in life.
Society has long established that there’s no income in farming. Most Asian Parents will tell you to study hard, find a high paying job, build your own family or help them support your siblings with their studies.
Some negative perceptions as well are: farmers are “poor” and farming is a dirty job. It hurts a bit how some farmers label themeselves as “magsasaka lang” without realizing that it is a noble job with clean returns and they deserve respect and recognition, too.
With this, I took a step forward and chose farming as both an intentional lifestyle and a passion. I was really fond of living a slow, sustainable and healthy lifestyle and eventually appreciating how it affects my life and how I affect the lives of others.
I started by instilling myself with the knowledge I need, watching and reading agriculture-related content, taking small steps, buying land where I could start my own farming career, participating agricultural activities and seminars, creating content related to it, and making it as part of personal advocacies that lead to participating in the Young Farmer’s Challenge.
It was indeed a great avenue to help you grow and develop your agricultural initiatives. I commend how they consider the youth as the future of farming, and that we can play a significant role in breaking barriers and making a difference.
I took a step forward and chose farming as both an intentional lifestyle and a passion. I was really fond of living a slow, sustainable and healthy lifestyle and eventually appreciating how it affects my life and how I affect the lives of others.
I proposed a project about my Ecologic Integrated Farm, located at Barangay Palsong, Bula, Camarines Sur, Bicol. Growing up in my hometown, I realized that agriculture is one of the strengths of our municipality. But there are cultivations and improvements that are needed in order to boost our local agriculture and tourism.
Through the Young Farmer’s Challenge, I was able to create a plan of action where I could address the problems that I observe not only in my barangay but in the whole Bula. But it wasn’t an easy path to take. It should not just be a mere plan. Visions should be real, and actions must be taken in order to take steps beyond imagination. I had a lot of things on my plate, especially since I’ve been committed to working and doing recreations at the same time, but I still never really hesitated to join the Young Farmers Challenge. I saw potential in the Ecologic Integrated Farm that it could create greater impacts in the future.
Working hard to have a spot in the Young Farmer’s Challenge 2022, not for personal satisfaction, but to promote and boost the agricultural status of Bula, has been the ultimate goal. There were moments of self-doubts and minor fallbacks. All participants that come from different places obviously have creative innovations that are all equally deserving to be recognized. I had undergone minor revisions and even stressful days before I finally passed my output. Afterwhich, I felt relieved. But it was not yet the end. I still had to prepare for an oral presentation. I was a bit tense, but I would not let the opportunity pass. I kept on reminding myself that I prepared long enough and that I should do better. And so I did. After days of waiting, I finally received the good news that my Integrated Ecologic Farm was chosen to receive a cash grant of Php 50,000 and compete in the next round of the Young Farmer’s Challenge.
I kept on reminding myself that I prepared long enough and that I should do better. And so I did.
Doing the things you love while aiming to help others result in greater things. Young Farmer’s Challenge is a great opportunity, especially for the youth, to showcase and participate in agricultural movements and innovations. While events like this exist, my heart soars high, screaming with pride, believing that the youth could do something to improve and save our farming and agricultural structures. I am thankful for the opportunities and trust I receive because of my Ecologic Integrated Farm.
Because of Young Farmer’s Challenge, I am now ready to unlock the next steps of my farming journey and manifest one of the slots for the next level of the challenge.
PS: While we are in the process of completing our requirements for the grant, We will have our Awarding Ceremony this August 25 to 26 and I am very excited about it. for sure, I’ll keep you updated.
In the meantime, you can watch my Travel, Lifestyle, and Agri Vlogs here:
What do you think?