The word “Bahandi”, which means treasure, riches, wealth or fortune depicts an abundance of resources and material possessions. Any possession that is highly valued by its owner is termed with a couple of adjectives thrown in like “bulawanong bahandi” or “langitnong bahandi” in the Cebuano dialect.
Farming and farmers are our treasure at the Agricultural Training Institute. We have lain witness to the hardships, the challenges, the joys and triumphs that our farmers have experienced. We held their hands as we journeyed together. The road was not easy but like gold, they have passed through fire and have emerged a treasure.
This book, Bahandi was borne with the intent of recognizing their toils and hard work. We want to share their stories to serve as an inspiration to those who have experienced failures especially in farming. Also, majority of our consumers have little or no idea of the hardwork, the love and passion that our farmers poured into the food that are in their tables.
We want to tell their stories they themselves narrated to the writers. It provides the readers a glimpse of their lives, their unfolding strength of character and the necessary transformations they went through.
For us, this is the primary reason why listening to, witnessing by and capturing the stories of our farmers is important. A story can seize the imagination and the heart in the way other source material cannot. It would also show to the world especially to the younger generation the joys of farming.
It is with this collection of stories, that we hope will encourage you to find your niche and emerge triumphant.
This collection of inspiring stories is our tribute to our farmers, our BAHANDI, our heroes.

Download your e-copy of Bahandi. Click the link here:
Bahandi: A Collection of Inspiring Stories in Farming