Potato Program Transforms the Lives of Farmers in Davao and Bukidnon

It is true that to plant a seed is to believe in a better tomorrow

Alan Regino, a dedicated potato farmer from Sitio Gappang in Barangay Alegre, Davao Del Sur, shared his inspiring story of success thanks to Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) Sustainable Potato Program. With the support of the program, Alan achieved remarkable results, earning P280,000 from his first harvest in 2019 and P170,000 the following year. This consistent income has made a significant impact on his family’s well-being.

Reflecting on the program, Alan expressed, “Before, the potato production was very low, so it wasn’t enough for our needs. URC and the Department of Agriculture (DA) have been a tremendous help. I was able to earn money and build a house.”

Alan’s story is just one among many success stories stemming from URC’s Sustainable Potato Program. Launched in 2018 as a complement to the DA’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), this initiative provides farmers with access to high-quality potato seeds, training, research, and development opportunities, all aimed at enhancing their livelihoods.

In March, representatives from URC and the DA visited various barangays in Davao Del Sur and Bukidnon to distribute 27 metric tons of granola table potatoes to over 200 deserving farmer beneficiaries.

Prior to this, URC and the DA had already extended assistance to potato farmers in Benguet and Lanao Del Norte, further reinforcing their commitment to supporting and empowering local farming communities.

A bright future for potato farmers

Farmers in Davao and Bukidnon faced significant challenges in growing high-quality potatoes and other crops before the intervention of the Sustainable Potato Program. They often encountered issues with potato seeds that were prone to diseases, resulting in poor yields and reduced earnings.

Ricky Monterde, a member of the Cawayan Farmers Association in Bukidnon, highlighted the remarkable improvement brought about by high-quality potato seedlings. Similarly, Rex Nawasca from the Gappang Alegre Potato Farmers Association in Davao Del Sur expressed, “When we received potato seeds from URC, a lot changed in our lives.” Nawasca mentioned how he was able to purchase a motorcycle, and his fellow farmers also acquired their own vehicles through their earnings from potato farming.

Another farmer from the Imbayao Community Participatory Action Research Association (ICPARA) in Bukidnon shared the positive impact of the program, stating, “I was able to buy land and build a house and a garden where we can grow more crops.”

Even former office employees like Noel Padrones of the Kapatagan Upland Farmers Association (KUFA) in Digos City turned to potato farming to improve their livelihoods. Witnessing the transformation of fellow farmers, Padrones observed a better quality of life and financial growth.

Melani Provido, a representative of the Department of Agriculture (DA), expressed her satisfaction with the Sustainable Potato Program, stating, “We’re happy with the Sustainable Potato Program because we can really see how it improved the lives of farmers.” She highlighted how the program provided employment and income for families, particularly during the challenging times of the pandemic. Farmers were able to acquire vehicles, houses, and fund their children’s education.

Beyond delivering quality produce to consumers, URC’s Sustainable Potato Program continues to support Filipino farmers in providing for their families. The program aligns with URC’s commitment to becoming a global sustainable organization in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

As the Philippines endeavors to enhance the agricultural sector, programs like this play a crucial role in making food security and fruitful farming opportunities more accessible to Filipinos.