LAOAG CITY – At 34, John Lei Ganiron made a pivotal decision to follow in his father’s footsteps and embrace farming in Batac, leaving behind a potential career in electrical and communications engineering. Five years later, Ganiron has become a leading figure in high-value crop production, transforming the lives of farmers across the region.
Reflecting on his journey, Ganiron shared that working on the farm brings him immense satisfaction, yet his passion extends beyond personal fulfillment. The numerous government-sponsored training programs he participated in have not only honed his skills but also opened new avenues for him to serve as a farmer-trainer, helping others achieve similar success.
“With all the knowledge and skills I’ve gained, there’s nothing more rewarding than sharing it with others through extension services,” Ganiron remarked.
In 2016, he established the Romaine Organic Agriculture Academy, aiming to promote sustainable agriculture by combining innovative technologies with best practices. His experiences as a beneficiary of various government farming programs, including the SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP), deepened his appreciation for agriculture.
“Agriculture is more than just a job or business; it’s the backbone of our economy and a way of life,” he emphasized.
Determined to empower more farmers, Ganiron has partnered with SM Foundation and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to launch a 14-week intensive training program. This program will cover modern farming techniques, marketing strategies, and business principles, aligning with the Marcos administration’s goals of eradicating hunger and alleviating poverty.
The training schedule, set to be announced in August, will commence following a benchmarking activity at a partner-farm school in Pampanga.
Rogerio Bismonte, the DSWD-Ilocos Region partnership officer, underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling hunger and poverty. He noted that collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and farmers are essential for achieving meaningful outcomes.
“The Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan-Sustainable Agriculture Program, in partnership with SM Foundation Inc., aims to equip local farmers with the skills to practice green agriculture and develop community gardens. These gardens will not only supplement food supplies but also generate additional income for farmers,” Bismonte explained.
Beyond establishing community gardens, the DSWD plans to assist farmer-trainees in forming cooperatives. These cooperatives would supply raw materials to government feeding programs, Kadiwa outlets, and other food initiatives, thereby linking farmers with institutional markets.
In Laoag City, four farmers’ associations, comprising 100 active members, have been selected to participate in the KSK program, which was officially launched on July 29. The selected groups, from Barangays Bacsil North, Bacsil South, Lataag, and Camanggaan, will receive training in semi-organic vegetable farming, poultry, and hog raising.
“This is a critical moment for our farmers to take their work seriously. We now have a significant opportunity to secure stable markets for our products,” said Ferdinand Claro, president of the Lataag Farmers Association.
Laoag City Mayor Michael Keon expressed his strong support for the initiative, which he believes will fundamentally enhance the livelihoods of local farmers.
“This program represents a major step forward in empowering our farmers with the skills and knowledge necessary for sustainable agriculture and ensuring food security,” Mayor Keon stated, looking forward to seeing farmers expand their reach beyond local markets to institutional buyers.