Feature—"When I arrived here, I fell in love with the place. … I wanted to help. How can I help,?" shares former Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary, Mr. Arthur "Art" Tugade
In an interview at the SVD Café of the SVD Laudato Si' Farm, otherwise known as the SVD Farm, former Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Mr. Arthur Tugade insisted that he be called, simply, "Art".
During that peaceful early morning, with a cup of freshly-brewed coffee in hand, Art shared his realizations and experiences of healing at the SVD Farm.
"I've been coming here (to the SVD Farm) for a long time now. The Farm has been helping me feel better. For quite a while now, Fr. Sam has been 'pestering' me to come here," Art said, reminiscing about his chance encounter with the SVD Farm. He recalled, "When I arrived at the SVD Farm, I saw the vegetable store. I saw the surroundings. I smelled the fresh air. I saw the people with smiles, the camaraderie of the people. I was amazed. So I repeatedly came here on the weekend." His ritual became a cherished routine, visiting the SVD Farm after his visits to the Pink Sisters Convent. At the SVD Farm, he would meditate, admire the view, and share coffee with his companions, creating weeks of treasured moments.
One fortuitous day, a tap on his shoulder introduced him to Rev. Fr. Samuel “Sam” Naceno-Agcaracar, SVD. "Hello, Sir Art. Matagal ko na ako kayong gustong ma-meet." A conversation ensued, "warm and cool"—as Art described it, a representation of Fr. Sam's priestly demeanor. They discovered a shared childhood in Claveria, Cagayan, as well as a shared passion for the advocacy of food accessibility.
Reflecting on his time as a postulant, Art's memories came to life at the SVD Farm. "Being here reminds me of my time as a postulant. Naglalakad kami, kumakanta ng Latin Church songs—Pater Noster, Salve Regina—katulad dito sa Farm, kung saan naglilibot ang mga pari at seminarista ng SVD."
Art's passion found fertile ground at the SVD Farm. "I believe in food. Physical food. Food for the body. I also believe in the food for the spirit. All kinds of food, you will find here at the SVD Farm. Morally, spiritually you will find it here. … The environment, it gives you fresh air, it gives you physical healing. But beyond that, it has a spiritual quality." His conviction mirrored the SVD Farm's ethos—nourishment for the body and soul, a harmony of purpose.
Art elaborated on his support for the SVD Farm, continuing: "I believe in the advocacy for food production dahil nasubukan at naranasan kong magutom. Mahirap magutom. Kaya ayaw ko na may magutom sa community."
His conviction sparked action. He extended his support, not just in words but in deeds, as he initiated discussions about contributing to the SVD Farm's growth. The Farm became a refuge where Art found solace and spiritual nourishment. According to him, the connection went beyond just a philanthropic gesture.
Over his multiple visits, Art's love for the SVD Farm grew stronger, and he offered to become a benefactor. He donated a greenhouse, among other facilities and equipment, to the SVD Farm, helping it expand its farming operations. "When I arrived here, I fell in love with the place. … I want to help the SVD Farm. How can I help?" Later on, he shared this passion, to help the SVD Farm accomplish its mission, with his friends. "I tell my friends to come here, to enjoy the scenery, to follow my footsteps and also support the SVD Farm."
The Farm's workers, often overlooked, held "a special place in (Art's) heart." He recognized their labor, resilience, and the significance of their work in the cycle of life. "I met one of the workers sa Farm, one of the farmers. Sabi ko, alam mo, yung kulay mo, gusto ko. Hindi ako nagbibiro. Ibig sabihin niya, you work hard."
Art shared how his upbringing in a squatters' area contributed to his appreciation for labor and education. "My parents were just ordinary clerks. ... Lumaki ako sa squatters' area. ... That's why I value labor. And that's why I tell people, value labor, value education. When the opportunity presents itself for you to be educated and to work, do it."
Art's perspective on the nourishment provided by the SVD Farm was enlightening. "People will have different reasons for coming to the SVD Farm. I have my own reason—nourishment. Nourishment for the body. Nourishment for the soul. There's no price tag to that. ... May limiting factor sa pagkain. Pero ang pagkain para sa spirit, para sa soul, walang limit."
Reflecting on his history as a public servant, Art shared: "What moved me to be a public servant? For a long time, I was in business. Ngayon, nagsusukli ako, returning to the people. … I know that when I joined the government, I was going there to work, to work for the people, para sa tao. Anuman ang trabaho mo, sabi nga nila, give until it hurts. ... How do you appreciate what you want, when you never experience not having what you want?"
"That is the cycle of life. You give, you share. You labor, you reap. Once you reap, you labor again, you share and you keep," Art shared.
In his parting words, Art acknowledged the serendipitous nature of his journey to the SVD Farm, his encounters with Fr. Sam, and his immersion in the SVD Farm's advocacy were all threads woven by destiny. "When fate whispers, I listen. Nothing happens by accident," he said.