Sonia Estrella, a native of Socorro town in the province of Surigao del Norte, is one excellent example that farming is a viable business activity.
She was Inspired by the Department of Agriculture (DA) that also trained her in the concept of organic and integrated farming.
“I am grateful to the Department of Agriculture for allowing me to join training and teaching me new and efficient methods in agriculture,” she shared.
When she ventured into farming, she developed a routine of waking up as early as 3 am even before the rooster crows, to hike to Mount Manliko to tend to her farms.
As the years passed, Estrella developed a dedication and sacrifice in her work that led to the expansion of her farm to three hectares. She achieved remarkable yields by employing organic and integrated farming methods, earning profits from her rice, vegetables, and hog raising activities.
She she earned P80,000 per hectare of rice in 2023, while her vegetables earned around P171,000.
This year, Estrella is innovating so her crops would grow better like utilizing compost and fish amino acids as alternative fertilizers. “I took left-over catch from local fishermen. With biodegradable materials from my farm, I created a compost pit for organic farming that will fertilize and revitalize the soil for healthy-grown vegetables and crops,” she said.
Estrella also made innovations on her farm, such as using a rainwater collector that can be used to water her crops during the dry season. Lately, she is using it as a fishpond to maximize the utilization of the innovation.
Grateful for her blessings, she also donates 100 fingerlings to the town’s fishpond school project.
Currently, Estrella and her family manage three branches of Sonia Store that sell crops and farm products. This shows that she also has ventured into the marketing of farm products.
Municipal Agriculturist Edelito C. Sangco commended Estrella for her passion and her heart to impart and share her learnings with the community, stating, “She is so willing to teach women in the community and encourages them to engage in farming and be productive partners of their husbands.”
Also, the Provincial Agriculturist Ruby-Ann S. Lagahit appreciated Estrella for becoming a partner in agricultural development in Socorro and the province.
