In preparation for the book of Magsasakang Siyentista (MS), the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MiMaRoPa captured the inspirational life stories of MS of Farmers’ Information Technology Services (FITS) in the region.

The farm journey in FITS-Occidental Mindoro, FITS-Marinduque and FITS-Romblon unfolded the lives of MS in the said provinces. The interview gave details of the strengths, sacrifices and achievements of MS in farming. Moreover, it documented their goals and roles of their farms in the communities.

During the documentation, the MS were very happy in sharing their experiences on how farming changes their lives. They said that they become more participative in community activities, build and active part in farmer-run organizations. When asked about their reasons for becoming MS, they expressed that they want to share their own discovered technology and help other farmers develop their own farms.

“Bilang isang magsasaka, dapat ikaw ang gumagawa sa iyong lupang sinasaka. Hindi ka dapat titigil sa pagtuklas para mapaunlad ang iyong kaalaman na magagamit mo sa iyong sariling sakahan. Pero ang pinakamahalaga, huwag maging madamot sa iyong sariling tuklas na teknolohiya, kailangan ay ibahagi mo ito sa ibang magsasaka,“ said Nemorio R. Villaflores, MS, FITS-Magsaysay.

Through this book, the ATI in MiMaRoPa hopes to motivate younger generation to go into farming and inspire other farmers to excel in agriculture and fisheries. In addition, it will help promote the Techno Gabay Program and increase the number of MS who have enormous role in areas of concerns on research sustainability and productivity in the region.

The MS book stories entitled, “Waging Pagsasaka ng mga Magsasaka Siyentista” will be published in August 2018.