Empowering Farmers: East-West Seed Philippines Celebrating “Bida Magsasaka”

On August 15, we embarked on a journey to a farm in San Rafael, Bulacan, a day that would unfold into an inspiring celebration of resilience, dedication, and the spirit of the Filipino farmer. Our gracious hosts, East-West Seed Philippines, extended their invitation for us to join the festivities of the “Bida Magsasaka” launch, a significant event that marked the start of the “Vegetable Farmers’ Month” for the month of August.

@pinayads.com Pumunta kami sa isang farm sa San Rafael, Bulacan. Iniimbita kami ng EastWest Seed para ipagdiwang ang “A FARMER’S DAY” o “BIDA MAGSASAKA”. Dito nakilala namin ang dalawa sa napakaraming #BidaMagsasaka ???? Nakaka-inspire ang mga kuwento nila! Marami kaming natutunan. ???? Nagkaron din ng #farmtour at hands-on experience sa pagtatamin at paghaharvest! Kaya samahan nyo akong balikan ang selebrasyon during the #EastWestSeedPh ♬ original sound – Mommy Iris and Sammy

East-West Seed Philippines Celebrates “Bida Magsasaka” This August

East-West Seed (EWS) has set aside the whole month of August to honor the farmers, who are the unsung stars of our society. With the strong theme “Bida Magsasaka,” this campaign wanted to give farmers more power and show how important they are to the growth and survival of our country.

Unveiling the Stories of the “Bida Magsasaka”: Meet Johnny Gatuz and Eden Arquero  East-West Seed Celebrates Bida Magsasaka

The launch event introduced us to two remarkable individuals who embody the essence of the “Bida Magsasaka” campaign. Johnny Gatuz, a former Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), has seamlessly transitioned into a thriving farmer-influencer. His journey from working abroad to cultivating the land is a testament to his perseverance and passion.

Eden Arquero’s story is no less inspiring. What began as a backyard hobby transformed into a dynamic 5-hectare farming venture in Nueva Ecija. Her evolution from a hobbyist to a successful farmer demonstrates the boundless opportunities that agriculture can provide.

Lessons from the Fields: Sipag, Tiyaga, at Diskarte

When asked about their secrets to success, Eden Arquero enthusiastically shared her philosophy: “STD – Sipag, Tiyaga at Diskarte.” Hard work, perseverance, and resourcefulness are essential qualities for anyone seeking triumph in the agricultural realm. Johnny Gatuz echoed similar sentiments, underscoring dedication, determination, and a genuine love for farming as the key components of his journey.

Paying It Forward: Johnny Gatuz’s Impact Beyond Farming

Johnny Gatuz’s commitment to his community extends beyond his own achievements. He generously imparts his agricultural knowledge and uplifts fellow farmers. Going beyond the fields, he ventured into the digital space during the COVID-19 pandemic, launching “Tata Johnny TV” on YouTube. This platform became a conduit for sharing valuable agricultural insights, rapidly amassing over a million views on his papaya farming tutorial. As of September 2022, “Tata Johnny TV” boasts an impressive 114,000 subscribers, earning Johnny the esteemed YouTube Silver Play Button.

Hands-On Learning: Farm Tours and Activities

Following the launch, we were treated to a guided farm tour by Tata Johnny himself. The experience provided valuable insights into the daily life of a farmer and the intricate processes involved in cultivating crops. The event also included hands-on activities such as seed sowing, transplanting, and harvesting – allowing us to immerse ourselves in the tangible aspects of farming.

A Day of Inspiration and Gratitude

Our day at the farm wasn’t just a celebration; it was also a reminder of all the hard work and commitment that goes into making the food we eat. The stories of Johnny Gatuz and Eden Arquero gave people hope and inspiration. They showed that farming is hard work, but that it is also very rewarding.

As we left the farm, I couldn’t help but think about how much I had learned and how much I respected the people who grew our vegetables. Their unwavering dedication to the land and their towns is truly admirable, and I salute them for working so hard to make sure our country has a good harvest.

As part of the Vegetable Farmers’ Month celebration, East-West Seed invites everyone to join in honoring and expressing gratitude to our vegetable farmers by sharing their inspiring #BidaMagsasaka stories.

Also throughout August, East-West Seed will conduct a nationwide caravan to gather and celebrate with farmers. During the caravans, farmers can receive discount coupons of up to PHP 1,000 for their seed purchases. This coupon can be used for seeds of sweet pepper, corn, pumpkin, yard long bean, tomato, hot pepper, eggplant, watermelon, bitter gourd, and cucumber.

To learn more about this celebration, visit East-West Seed’s Facebook page at facebook.com/eastwestseedph