Rommel Española, born to a farming family, is transforming from being a recalcitrant youth full of vices into a model farmer through the intervention of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).
Española started to love agriculture more when he was convinced to join the 4H Club in 2017. The 4H Club has exposed him to training and meetings in Cotabato Province, opening his eyes to opportunities he could possibly get from agriculture and encouraging him to become a more active member of the club.
“’Yong dating iniisip ko is ‘yong sugal lang. Sugal sa manok, kabayo pero nang dahil sa 4H Club, after 2018, nawala ‘yong bisyo na ‘yon and then nag-focus po ako sa pagplan na makabuo ng sariling farm at magkaroon ng learning site,” he said.
(I used to indulge in gambling, on cockfights and horse races, but after joining the 4H Club in 2018, my vices vanished. Instead, I concentrated on my plan to build my own farm and establish a learning site.)
Española’s goal of having a learning site for agriculture led him to take advantage of the programs of the ATI-Regional Training Center based in Tantangan, South Cotabato.
He became a beneficiary of the Adopt-a-Farm Youth Program, which intends to train and empower in-school or out-of-school youths by developing their farming skills and exposing them to hands-on farming training.
The young farmer received specific training in organic farming and livestock production, among other things.
Later, Española became a recipient of the Young Filipino Farm Leaders Training Program in Japan (YFFLTPJ), wherein his knowledge and skills in growing fruits and vegetables were developed.
His 11-month stay in Japan not only honed his skills in farming techniques and deepened his understanding of organic agriculture but also developed him as a farmer leader.
Back in the Philippines, Española received a P150,000 grant as startup capital to practice the learning he gained from Japan.
With the money, he raised cows and improved the family vegetable farm. With his savings while abroad, he realized his dream of having a learning site.
“Pagdating ng dalawang taon, nabuo ko ‘yong aking pangarap na magkaroon ng learning site for agriculture sa aking farm,” Española proudly recalled.
(After two years, my dream of having a learning site for agriculture on my farm has become a reality.)
For him, achieving his goal is not only for self-fulfillment but also serves a reminder to his fellow youths that perseverance is the key in achieving their dreams.
At present, the Española Integrated Farm, launched as an ATI-certified Learning Site for Agriculture on June 13, 2024, serves as a venue for farmers who are eager to learn new techniques in vegetable farming and livestock raising.
According to the ATI-RTC 12, this milestone made Española the first 4-H Club member from Cotabato Province to achieve LSA certification for his farm and the youngest LSA cooperator in Region XII at the age of 24.
The ATI-RTC has urged the youth to strengthen the agriculture sector of the country by availing themselves of the programs of the government.
“Atin pong inaanyahan ang ating mga kabataan na iavail po ninyo ang mga programang inoofer po ng gobyerno hindi lamang po sa ati, maging sa ibat ibang ahensya ng ating gobyerno dahil marami po kaming nakalaang programa para sa inyo,” OIC-Center Director, Dr. Jessie Beldia said.
(We enjoin our fellow youths to take advantage of the programs offered by the government—not only from us but also from various agencies of our government—because we have many programs intended for you.)
Interested individuals may visit ATI-RTC, located at the national highway of San Felipe, Tantangan, and South Cotabato, or they may contact its office on its official Facebook page, Agricultural Training Institute—Region 12.
Beldia highlighted the youth’s contribution to nation-building as a reinforcement for farmers and agricultural extension workers in food production. (Shahana Joy Duerme-Mangasar/PIA 12)
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