Village Connect
What began as a humble backyard venture turned into a life-changing journey for 55-year-old Boy Juan from Gamu, Isabela. With only 150 to 200 square meters of land behind his house, Boy and his wife Analyn once relied on growing talong, okra, kamatis, and sili. Despite their hard work, monthly earnings barely reached P3,000.
“Planting was always my life,” Juan shared. “I started with what I had—just a small space in our backyard.”
Everything changed in 2015 when Juan joined the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Farming Programof SM Foundation, in partnership with Isabela State University. It was a turning point that opened his eyes to the broader possibilities of agriculture—not just as a way to survive, but as a viable enterprise.
Through KSK, he learned modern farming practices—from land preparation and seed selection to organic fertilizer production and market timing. “They didn’t just teach us how to farm,” he said. “They gave us new hope. I learned that farming could be a business.”
Empowered by this new mindset, Juan expanded his operations. He began supplying vegetables not only in Isabela but as far as Metro Manila and Urdaneta. His commitment to quality and innovation caught attention—his farm was later certified under the Department of Agriculture’s Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and recognized as a Learning Site for Agriculture by ATI.
In 2024, Juan strategically timed his ampalaya planting to coincide with market demand, earning a net income of around ₱400,000. “I was able to harvest at a time when the average price reached more than ₱50 per kilo,” he explained.
But for Juan, success isn’t just about profit. He reinvests in his farm, shares produce with the community, and mentors fellow farmers. He also proudly supported his two children through college, both of whom now hold jobs.
Today, Juan regularly hosts learning visits and training sessions. “Many come here to learn. My farm has become a benchmark in the region,” he said with pride.
Looking back, Juan considers KSK not just a program—but a spark that lit the path to his family’s transformation. “They taught us more than farming—they helped us grow a story of success,” he said.
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