Empowering Farmers through Sustainable Agriculture Training in Ilocos Norte

With all the knowledge and skills I have acquired and developed over the years, there’s truly nothing more important than sharing this wealth of information with others through extension service, which is vital for community growth.

WHEN 34-year-old John Lei Ganiron chose to pursue a farming career in the city of Batac, located in the picturesque province of Ilocos Norte, instead of following the well-trodden path of electrical and communications engineering like his father, he could never have anticipated that, five years later, he would emerge as a highly sought-after trainer in high-value crop production, revolutionizing the lives of countless farmers with his innovative techniques and insights.

Ganiron shared that while working on the farm provides him with the “best feeling ever,” contributing to the agricultural community offers him deeper satisfaction and purpose beyond personal success.

John Lei Ganiron
Founder
Romaine Organic Agriculture Academy

He attributes his transformation into a skilled farmer-trainer to various government-initiated training programs he attended, which not only nurtured his growth in agricultural practices but also opened doors of opportunity for him to assist other aspiring farmers in achieving their dreams.

“With all the knowledge and skills that I have acquired and developed, I believe there’s nothing more crucial than sharing this with others through extension service,” he stated passionately.

In 2016, driven by his commitment to sustainable agriculture, he established the Romaine Organic Agriculture Academy, a platform dedicated to promoting eco-friendly farming techniques and best practices among fellow farmers and plant enthusiasts eager to learn.

Having been a beneficiary of multiple government training initiatives on farming, including the SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP), Ganiron has come to truly appreciate the significance of agriculture in everyday life and the economy.

“The agriculture sector is the backbone of the economy. It represents a way of life, providing sustenance beyond just a job or a business,” he emphasized, noting its critical role in community resilience.

To extend his reach and empower more farmers with invaluable skills and knowledge, Ganiron, in collaboration with the SM Foundation and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), is set to launch an extensive 14-week program. This hands-on series of lectures will cover modern farming methods, marketing techniques, and business principles, ultimately aimed at reducing hunger and alleviating poverty, in support of the Marcos administration’s vision.

Details regarding the schedule of this initiative will be announced in August, following a benchmarking activity with a partnering farm school in Pampanga.

Moreover, the office of Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos has pledged P2 million in support of the KSK program within this vibrant city, further solidifying the initiative’s foundation.

Holistic approach

Rogerio Bismonte, partnership officer of DSWD-Ilocos Region, remarked that a holistic approach is essential to effectively tackle the pressing issues of hunger and poverty.

This collaborative effort has resulted in a partnership between national and local governments, private organizations, and farmers, all striving towards concrete, positive outcomes.

“The Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan-Sustainable Agriculture Program is a collaborative effort with SM Foundation Inc. aimed at equipping local farmers with knowledge of green farming, as well as establishing community gardens that augment food supply and create additional income streams for farmers,” Bismonte explained.

In addition to establishing community gardens, the DSWD also plans to assist farmer-trainees in forming cooperatives, allowing them to connect with institutional government markets for their produce and to contribute ingredients required for government feeding initiatives, Kadiwa, and food stamp programs.

During the launch of the KSK program on July 29, four active farmers associations, comprising 100 engaged members, were selected to participate. These include cooperatives from barangays Bacsil North, Bacsil South, Lataag, and Camanggaan, which will train farmers in semi-organic vegetable farming, chicken and egg production, and hog raising practices.

Ferdinand Claro, president of the Lataag Farmers Association, expressed, “It is time for our farmers to embrace this opportunity seriously. It promises to provide an assured market for our products, paving the way toward economic stability.”

Laoag City Mayor Michael Keon shared his support for the ambitious program, which is envisioned to bring transformative changes to the lives of farmers in the region.

He declared, “This initiative marks a significant step towards empowering our farmers with the skills and knowledge necessary for sustainable agriculture and food security,” expressing eagerness to witness the increased market reach for farmers, extending beyond traditional avenues to include institutional buyers.

What‍ role do government partnerships play in enhancing the effectiveness of the training programs offered by the Romaine Organic Agriculture Academy?

**Interview with John Lei Ganiron: Champion of Sustainable Agriculture and Community Empowerment**

**Interviewer:** Thank you for ⁤joining us today, ‌John. ‌Your⁣ journey from aspiring engineer to leading‌ figure in sustainable agriculture is truly inspiring. Can ​you share ‍what motivated you to make that pivotal shift into farming?

**John Lei Ganiron:** Thank you for having me! The ⁤motivation really came from a deep-seated passion for agriculture and a desire to make a ⁣tangible impact ‍in my‍ community. While I appreciate the field of⁢ engineering, I felt ⁤a compelling urge to engage directly with nature and help improve the ⁤lives of others ‍through farming. That call to support fellow farmers and promote sustainable practices was ultimately what guided⁢ my decision.

**Interviewer:**⁢ You mentioned​ the ​importance of ⁢sharing ⁣your knowledge with others. Why do you believe extension services are vital⁢ for community growth?

**John Lei Ganiron:** Extension services⁣ play a crucial ⁣role in bridging the gap between⁢ knowledge ⁢and⁣ application. ​By ⁤sharing the ⁢skills and techniques I’ve learned through various ​government ⁤training programs, I can empower other farmers to innovate and‌ improve​ their practices.‌ This ‍is not just about individual success;‌ it’s about cultivating a community that thrives together. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and lifestyle, and when farmers succeed, the entire community benefits.

**Interviewer:** Your ‌establishment of the Romaine Organic⁣ Agriculture‌ Academy seems to be a significant step in that direction. What‌ are ⁤some of the key⁣ initiatives your academy offers?

**John⁤ Lei ‍Ganiron:** Yes, in 2016, I founded the academy to focus on eco-friendly ⁣farming‍ techniques and organic practices. We provide hands-on training ⁣on high-value crop production ⁤and sustainable methods. Our upcoming 14-week program, developed in cooperation with⁣ the SM Foundation and the DSWD, aims to cover ‍modern farming techniques, marketing skills, ⁤and essential ⁤business principles.⁢ The goal is to equip farmers with the tools they ⁣need to reduce‌ hunger ⁤and alleviate poverty.

**Interviewer:** ⁢Your commitment⁣ to community‌ welfare⁤ is ⁤impressive, especially with⁣ the support from government initiatives. Can you⁣ elaborate on the recent collaborative efforts you are involved in?

**John​ Lei⁤ Ganiron:** Absolutely.⁤ We’re working with various organizations, including the DSWD and the Office of Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, who has pledged P2 million to support ⁤our KSK program. This partnership is crucial as it ‌helps us deliver comprehensive‍ training that addresses the pressing issues of hunger and poverty. ⁢Our holistic approach combines resources and expertise from both public and private sectors, enabling us to provide real, sustainable solutions.

**Interviewer:** what message do you want to convey to⁣ aspiring farmers or individuals thinking about a career in agriculture?

**John‌ Lei Ganiron:** I​ would say, don’t ⁤underestimate the importance of agriculture in our lives and economy. It’s a path⁣ filled with opportunities to innovate and make⁣ a difference. If you have⁤ a passion for learning and a desire to help others, agriculture can ​be incredibly rewarding. Embrace ​the journey, seek out ⁤training⁣ and partnerships, and remember that your impact can⁢ extend far beyond your​ own farm. Together, we can build resilient communities through sustainable practices.

**Interviewer:** Thank you, John. Your insights into agriculture and⁢ community involvement are invaluable, and we look‌ forward to seeing the⁢ positive changes ​your initiatives ​will bring!

**John Lei Ganiron:** Thank⁢ you for the opportunity to share my story!