MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon---Realizing the importance of treating farming as a business, the Semilya sa Kinabuhi Foundation, an Extension Service Provider (ESP) of the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X) recently mounted a training on the business of farming.

Dubbed as “Farm for Profit: A Training on the Business of Farming”, it intended to highlight the business side of farming aside from sharing tips on production and farming technology. At the heart of the training is the idea of stewardship, that for a farmer to profit, he must learn to be a good steward of the resources he has and the many available opportunities in agriculture.

Twenty-five farmer participants were exposed and had their immersion at the Moriah Farms. This is to show how the principles are applied in business, so that the particiapnts can visualize what they need to do in their own business.

Moriah Farms owner Jose Feron “Dodong” Cacanando is also the president of Semilya sa Kinabuhi or Seed of Life, a foundation that aims to bring the Bible and the church to where people work — in their businesses and in their farms.

Mr. Cacanando emphasized on the principles of the Bible as guide in his farming. He said, he discovered that most successful farmers are in the Bible, citing Abraham and Joseph. His farming is guided by the what is written in Genesis 9:7 “ Be fruitful and multiply...”. He said fruitfulness is a function of the plant and that for it to be fruitful, the seed must be nurtured and planted in good soil. He emphasized that good plants bear good fruits and good plants are produced by good farmers.

Presently, his farm which used to be a barren and unproductive land, is now very productive despite the fact that he do not use fertilizers and zero pesticides. Sir Dodong, as he is fondly called, has published three books detailing his journey to farming and the principles and formula that he follows. Those books are Breaking Through, Keeper of His Garden and Creating Wealth and Managing Finances. He further said, “Savings is essential! Savings is an expense that will buy your future!” as he talks about stewarding business with God.

Semilya sa Kinabuhi resource persons include Mr. Jose Feron Cacanando, Elbert Salon, and Sol Binayao which delivered topics such as “The Filipino Farmer”, “Essentials of Business”, “Responsibility of a Steward”, “Starting and Growing A Farm”, “Breakthrough Management”, and “People Development”.

The training transpired on November 27-30, 2019 at the Semilya Training Center, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. (with reports from Reymard M. Galarrita, Technical Support Staff)