MAITUM, Sarangani -- The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Maitum in Sarangani has honored two homegrown farmers, Kubli Kusin and Melvin Awid, for their exceptional contributions to the region's agriculture industry.
The commendation took place on May 15, 2023, following the flag-raising ceremony of the local government of Maitum.
Kusin who currently serves as the President of the Upo Valley Farmers Association (UVFA) has been recognized for his unwavering commitment and hard work in raising the standards of the coffee industry in Region 12, particularly in Maitum.
He recently achieved recognition by securing the 4th spot for Best Fine Robusta in the Kape Dose Coffee Quality Competition 2023.
“This is not only UVFA recognition but all farmers in Maitum. We represent the coffee farmers. We are improving our product to deliver quality coffee from the municipality,” Kusin said.
“Hopefully, in 5 years we will see Maitum as one of the coffee-producing municipalities in the country,” he added.
Awid, a former seafarer, on the other hand, is being recognized for establishing Maitum's first vanilla farm, which aims to offer not only raw vanilla pods but also value-added products. Awid is the proprietor of UF Vanilla Farm and operates the online platform Urban Farms PH.
To him, "the recognition serves as a beacon of hope to inspire young people to pursue farming. This commendation empowers our youth to make a difference in their unique ways.”
Awid was also one of the regional winners of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) – a competitive financial grant assistance program under the Department of Agriculture (DA), intended for the youth who will engage in new agri-fishery enterprises.
He envisions that within 10 years, Sarangani will become the vanilla capital of the Philippines. "The agriculture sector deserves attention. Sarangani has a vast expanse of land suitable for agriculture. We should utilize and maximize our resources to their full potential.”
Awid also aims to shift the mindset of farmers and help them realize their full potential. According to him, farmers need to understand not only production and processing but also branding and marketing, emphasizing the importance of educating them on their significance as crucial step to their success.
Municipal Councilor James Mark Reganit, SB Chair on Agriculture, authored the resolutions commending the two farmers for their achievements. These commendations, he rationalized, reflect the excellence and determination of the people of Maitum and their valuable contributions to the local agriculture industry. (Genory Vanz Alfasain/Voice of the Youth Network)
