Ms. Emmylou Loresto, Owner/Manager
Brgy. Holy Friday, Mallig, Isabela
Women have been a critical part of farm operations across the country and around the globe. But now, as women in agriculture, we have a unique opportunity to be the change we want to see in our industry.
In Cagayan Valley, Ms. Emmylou Loresto, the owner of Willy’s Integrated Farm is now making a name in the field of organic farming.
Located at Brgy. Holy Friday, Mallig, Isabela, the 10-hectare farm produces hi-value crops, vegetables and pigmented organic rice. They also breed heritage chickens, native chickens and dairy goats. Willy’s Integrated Farm also grows fishes, ducks, swine and other farm animals.
In 2018, Willy’s Integrated Farm was accredited by Agricultural Training Institute- Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) Region 02 as Learning Site. In December 2019, the farm was accredited as TESDA Farm School offering trainings under RCEF (Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund) programs on Farmer Field School (FFS) and Rice Machinery Operations NCII.
More than the profit from farming, Emmylou also believes that health is one of the important aspects that organic farming is giving importance, knowing that many people nowadays, particularly the consumers, are health conscious. With this, the farm was also certified as an Organic Farm by the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines (OCCP) last October 10, 2019.
Emmylou proves why organic is the way to go. Through the assistance of the DA-Organic Agriculture Program and Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (DA-AMAD) in Region 02, she was able to meet potential buyers and market her organic products in a good price.
“Mahirap ang naging umpisa namin kasi kailangan naming i-train muna ang tauhan namin. Mayroong mga tinatawanan kami pero sige lang, tinuloy parin namin kasi gusto naming makita at ipakita sa kanila na may epekto lahat ng mga ginagawa namin kahit na sariling gawa lang na mga dahon diyan na fineferment until sa nakapagharvest na kami, doon sila nagulat. Nakita nilang may malaking epekto din pala,” Emmylou narrated.
Now, out of their profits, she was able to acquire a brand-new car (Innova) for family use as well as for delivering their produce in the market.
However, when his husband Willy died of Diabetes last November 27, 2020, Emmylou’s life turned out differently. She took the responsibility of his husband in managing their farm and their family as well.
“Sobrang hirap dahil sabay kaming bumuo nitong farm, pero kakayanin ko pong ipagpatuloy at palalaguin pa dahil ito na yung legacy ng asawa ko,” Emmylou said.
The COVID-19 also added in her dilemma most especially in transporting her goods to other municipalities and provinces.
“Mahirap kasi maraming bawal, maraming kailangang requirements at nadedelay yung aming delivery. Kadalasan hindi pa kami nakakabyahe kasi istrikto talaga ang protocols.”
But with Emylou’s determination and perseverance, she sold her products to her neighbors, nearby barangays and towns without hesitance knowing that her produce is certified organic and with good quality.
“Sinubukan ko munang magbenta sa kapit-bahay. Nagustuhan nila at dahil na rin sa word of mouth, maraming nagkainteres na bumili ng mga produkto ko dito sa lugar namin at sa mga malalapit na bayan,” she mentioned.
This year, Emmylou plans to establish the farm into an agri-tourism site promoting organic agriculture and economic development.
Organic farming is on the rise, and Emmylou believes that women play a vital role in that. Whether it is a farm business that feeds the world, or a relationship that empowers and supports your community, there are many ways to build and grow your contribution to agriculture. The time is now for each of us to step up to the plate and take on these challenges.
“Kahit babae po ako, masasabi ko pong kaya ko rin gampanan ang tungkulin ng isang lalaki hindi lamang sa larangan ng agrikultura kundi maging sa iba pang aspeto ng buhay. Kung nagawa ko po, magagawa rin ng bawat kababaihan.”