Marcos Colanse on his farm at El Salvador, Misamis Oriental
“Sometimes the person with the worst past ends up creating the best future.”
Marcos Colanse is a perfect embodiment of this saying. His life’s journey might have passed rough edges but after a painful polishing he found a gem. His future keeps looking brighter as time goes by.
THE GEM
GEM APPLIED
When graduation came, ATI was surprised that Marcos was not one of the graduates. Marcos was released in probation for good behavior before the training ended. Unknown to the trainers, Marcos applied his learnings when he went home. He planted pechay organically through staggered planting so that every week he could earn money. To sustain this enterprise, he established his own plant nursery. Aside from that, he innovated and used coconut leaves as cover crop to reduce water consumption. This minimized his cost of production. He also practiced fallow period, knowing the importance of taking care of the soil which his main source of livelihood. He started to diversify the area by planting other vegetables such as eggplant, bell pepper, bitter gourd, lady’s fingers (okra), water spinach, wild chili, tomato and sponge gourd. These are planted in just 500 square meters around their house.
Unknown to Marcos, he become an inspiration to his neighbor, Arnel Omongos. Arnel left his construction work which he found very tiring, he engaged in vegetable production after he observed the steady income that Marcos has. Both men joined forces and are selling their produce in Alubijid Market, thereby reducing their individual transportation costs. The partnership did not just bring additional income to both of them, but also forged a bond of friendship for both families.
Marcos life almost came to an end when he was sentenced to 40 years for murder. This sentence was reduced to homicide and imprisonment to just six years. At that time, he lost his love one and the small business that he has put up. His family was not able to visit him regularly in jail beacause of lack of money for fare. Fortunately, in March 2016 he was released on probation due to good behavior.
LIFELONG GEM
The fate of Marcos is like a wheel ready to rise again. Marcos continue to be an inspiration. Through ATI, he was able to share his experience and gardening expertise to others. This gave him confidence and the strong conviction that it is up to him to chart the way for a bright future.