Hands up for the Young Farmer Challenge (YFC) Awardee who brought great pride for the Island Province of Siquijor.
Franz Fabugais Sumondong, 26, resident of Sitio Bunacan, Brgy. Tignao, Lazi, Siquijor leaves his fellow Siquijodnons in awe as he brought home the bacon for Siquijor in the field of agricultural farming.
The young farmer was declared by the Department of Agriculture (DA) as winner in the regional search for the Young Farmer Challenge (YFC) Award recently at the Regional Field Office of DA Region 7.
Young Farmer Challenge (YFC) Awardee, Franz Fabugais Sumondong, showing his full-blood boer goats at his farm in Lazi, Siquijor. (PIA Siquijor photo)
Sumondong, a licensed agriculturist, manages his farm alone. He wakes up at 4:00 in the morning daily, feeds his fullblood boer and upgraded goats as well as Brahmans and Holstein cows before attending to his other duties. He also has a turkey, chickens, and ducks.
The awardee is engaged in planting fodders which he usually feeds his cows and goats. He even has more than 200 Indigofera trees, ipil-ipil, and square meters of napier.
Franz tending his cow as part of his daily routine as farmer. (PIA Siquijor photo)
Instead of spending his prize for a luxurious living, Sumondong spends his money wisely and bought a farming equipment – a grinding machine and a vehicle. He said the vehicle helps him in searching and carrying alternative fodders for his livestock from far-flung areas and shares that he always wants to invest for the greener pasture of his farm.
Aside from being a dedicated farmer, Sumondong is also a loving father to his firstborn child, a supportive partner to his lover, and a workaholic employee who manages to give time for his family, employment duties, and his humble farm.
In contradiction to the misconception that farming will only lessen the charm of a man, Sumondong then challenges the young individuals to venture in agricultural farming and contribute to the economic growth of the Philippines.
Franz with Marifel Faith Hammond (left) and John Carl Ladion (center), both Provincial government casual employees detailed to PIA during their visit to Franz's farm in Lazi. (PIA Siquijor photo)
The awardee is looking forward to establishing his own agricultural training center in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and is striving hard to achieve more for his farm.
Even if Sumondong gives so much pride to Siquijor after winning the prestigious farming challenge, he still shows his humility and down-to-earth kindness to the people who approach him especially those who want to learn from him.
Congratulations, Franz Sumondong! Continue to inspire the Siquijodnons and many more youths all over the Philippines and in the whole world. (RAC/NRO/PIA7 Siquijor)
