THE PeacePond Farmers Association in Binalbagan town bagged in 2018 The Outstanding Farmer of the Philippines (Tofarm) gold award for agriculture initiatives category.
Tofarm is an award program of Junior Chamber International Philippines (JCIP) and the Universal Harvester Inc. that recognizes the resiliency, ingenuity, and the strength of our hardworking Filipino farmers.
PeacePond founders Jesus Antonio and Checcs Orbida with nominator Gus Rivas, president of JCI Chicks Kabankalan, received the award in rites held at Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Metro Manila on Sunday, November 18.
The farmers association, the lone winner from Western Visayas, forms part of the 38 winners comprised of individuals, families, groups, and local government units (LGUs) in the country.
Orbida, also an outstanding coconut farmer, said the recognition proves that a small association like PeacePond Farmers Association can make a difference.
Orbida said they only have 24 adult farmers and at least 10 youth members.
“But our farming initiatives veer towards a more responsible farming system that is sustainable and respects our environment rather than abusing our limited natural resources,” he added.
Tofarm, in its website, said the search and award for farmers is an initiative since the early '70s of the Philippine Jaycees, now known as JCIP.
The program is anchored on promoting farming in the youth sector in all regions. It is inclusive and participative, expanding from the public to private sector stakeholders in agriculture, fisheries, and livestock.
It added that the search is open to all Filipino farmers, fisherfolk, animal raisers, cooperatives, farm communities, organizations, academe, agriculture scientist, LGUs and public employees, and business entities in both rural and urban areas and centers.
“We honor Filipino farmers not just for what they have done for us but for what they stand and symbolize in this country and in our life,” Tofarm chief advocate Milagros How said in a statement.
How, also the president and chief executive officer of Universal Harvester Inc., added: “We honor them for inspiring us and for showing us what is good and admirable in the character of the Filipino.”
PeacePond runs an eight-hectare organic farm and fish production area in Barangay Enclaro.
It also hosts the Plastic Bottle Learning Center and Eco Seed Factory.
Orbida earlier said these facilities are mainly aimed at promoting health, education, information dissemination, and food security, especially among small farmer-families.
Other community development initiatives of the association include advocacies on solid waste management, organic farming and aquaculture, vermiculture, educational scholarships, rural, educational and cultural outreach programs, livelihood, and women and children empowerment.
It is also engaged in coco sugar production utilizing coconut trees grown in its farm. The endeavor has been helping farmer-members as an added livelihood opportunity for them.
PeacePond received a golden plaque and cash prize, which according to Orbida, will be shared among the farmer-members and for improvements of farm infrastructures. (EPN)