FOUR farmers and two farmer associations from the Cordillera joined the Department of Agriculture (DA) list of 111 agri-business champions from all over the country.

These farmers joined an elite group who started from scratch and are now successful agri-entrepreneurs.

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Their inspiring stories were featured in "The Art of Agribusiness, 111 Success Stories and More in Agri-Entrepreneurship" launched November 24 at the Activity Center, The Podium, Pasay, Metro Manila headed by DA Secretary Arthur Yap and leaders of the country's agribusiness industries.

Some 4,000 copies of the book that costs P1,800.00 were sold during the launch. It may turn out to be a "best seller" with several orders already placed by businessmen, industry groups, farmer groups, among others, according to Yap who described the characters of the book as extraordinary Filipinos who had the imagination and the will to succeed.

"Almost all of them begun their successful agricultural enterprises from scratch," he said.

A farmer from the Ilocos, begun by frying and selling "chichacorn" or pork crackers in the streets; his business has grown into a multi-million enterprise that process corn products now sold in the country and abroad.

Those from the Cordillera have yet to achieve sales of value from their own enterprises that is comparable to their peers who were listed and featured in this book authored by Mr. Yap.

Yap was assisted by a group of researchers and writers. The Cordillera farmers featured in the book included Mr. Romeo Casilla, organic farming, Itogon, Benguet; Samuel Felix, vegetable production, Atok, Benguet; Terio Codiaman, strawberry production, La Trinidad, Benguet; and, Francis Ching, vegetable farming, Mankayan, Benguet.

The farmers groups featured in the book are Tulodan Seed growers Association, potato production, Atok, Benguet; and, Bila Rice Terraces Cooperative, heirloom rice production, Bila, Bauko, Mountain Province.

The Cordillera farmers and associations like the others depicted resilience, a "never say die attitude" in the face of difficulties and challenges under a harsh or difficult environment and conditions. They are in their own ways, Filipino champions of agriculture.

The launch of the inspiring book serves as a tribute to successful agri-entrepreneurs who have done their share to uplift Philippine agriculture and fisheries. This book is a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of Filipinos.

"It is my fervent hope their stories will inspire many others to follow their path," Yap said.