On January 29, 2021, the SVD Laudato Si’ Farm welcomed its first public visitors, marking the culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and faith by the priests and seminarians from the SVD Tagaytay Community.
Nonetheless, the journey to this momentous occasion began five months earlier.
On September 5, 2020, the SVD priests and seminarians embarked on their first day of weekend apostolate at the Farm. Their work became the foundation for the land that would eventually become the SVD Farm.
Read on to learn more about the first five months of the SVD Farm and the farmer priests and seminarians whose dedication made it possible.
Rev. Fr. Samuel “Sam” Naceno-Agcaracar, SVD, Executive Director of the SVD Farm and Rector of the SVD-Tagaytay Community, recalled that the initial construction and planting for the SVD Farm began in September 2020, coinciding with the "Season of Creation."
This period, designated by Pope Francis, spans from September 1 (the World Day of Prayer for Creation) to October 4 (the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi), emphasizing the importance of caring for the Earth.
The idea for the Farm, said Fr. Sam, emerged from a desire to utilize idle land sustainably, particularly in providing nutritious vegetables for the seminarians of the DWST. He also shared that he recognized the call to "go back to the soil and care for the earth" as integral to their faith and mission.
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Every weekend onwards from September 2020, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, dedicated SVD priests and seminarians worked diligently to transform the land that would become the SVD Farm. Saturdays were dedicated to cleaning and landscaping tasks, while Sundays were dedicated to helping out at the Gulayan ni San Rafael, sharing the early fruits of their labor with the community.
Three weeks later, on September 26, 2020, the SVD priests and seminarians worked further to develop the landscape of the Farm, cutting and clearing out dried grass to make way for the plants that would later be planted.
On October 3, 2020, the first seeds were sown in the newly cleared areas of the Farm. These fruit trees and vegetables marked the beginning of the Farm's journey, a journey that would culminate in the Farm's first harvest on January 9, 2021.
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Frt. Noel K. Engel, SVD, recalled the laughter, joy, disagreements, and love that accompanied their labor. The challenges he and his fellow seminarians faced as a team ultimately led to the fruition of their hard work, creating lasting memories and strengthening their bond. He expressed pride in contributing to the Farm's beauty and growth during his time at the seminary.
For Frt. Noel, his experience at the SVD Farm was a mix of emotions, excitement, and a deep sense of purpose. As part of the Koinonia class, the first-year students under the new rectorship of Fr. Sam, he helped cultivate the idle and arable land that had long been left unused. The COVID-19 pandemic provided an unexpected opportunity for this endeavor, turning their weekend apostolate into an enriching experience.
As Frt. Noel now finds himself in his fourth and final year of religious, missionary, and priesthood formation, he reflects with gratitude on the wonderful memories he has gathered during his time at the SVD Farm. While their journey was not without its hiccups, the support they received from local superiors, benefactors, and mission partners helped them overcome obstacles and realize their vision.
One of the highlights for Frt. Noel is witnessing how the collective hard work and creative ideas of the SVD Tagaytay Community transformed the Farm into reality. The Farm has become a place of warmth and serenity, drawing people in with its beauty and tranquility.
The role of the SVD community in Tagaytay was crucial to the beginning of the Farm, said Frt. Noel, especially under the stewardship of Fr. Sam and Bro. Mark, in bringing the establishment to life. From its inception to the present, the Farm has undergone significant changes, leaving behind a remarkable legacy for the current and future members of their community.
Frt. Noel expressed his pride in having contributed, in his own way, to the beauty and growth of their beloved seminary. His journey at the SVD Farm has not only shaped his formation but has also left an indelible mark on the landscape and the hearts of all who have been touched by its mission and purpose.
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Frt. Ian Mar Solatar Limbag, SVD, currently in his third year of theology, shared his perspective on the Farm as an essential part of his formation. The pandemic disrupted the seminary’s usual weekend apostolates, leading them to focus on projects within the seminary. He described the transformation of the land “from overgrown and abandoned to a serene paradise, attracting visitors who found solace in its beauty and spirituality.”
In the face of the pandemic, many aspects of life were upended, and for seminarians like Frt. Ian, their journey took an unexpected turn. He found himself at the heart of a remarkable apostolate, the SVD Farm, which became a beacon of hope and connection during challenging times.
The pandemic brought about changes in schedules and apostolates, prompting the seminary to introduce an "in-house apostolate" program for weekends. This innovative initiative aimed to maximize seminarians' time while assisting the seminary in continuing its mission, even amid the extraordinary circumstances. Frt. Ian explained that the apostolate options included farming, social media, choir, and Bible sharing.
Frt. Ian's journey led him to the Farm as a captivating project that not only piqued the interest of the seminarians but also attracted the attention of the broader community. The Farm's inception was rooted in the idea of self-reliance and resource optimization during those uncertain times.
He recalled the early days of the project with enthusiasm. The transformation of this once-grassy and abandoned land into a serene paradise, according to Frt. Ian, was a testament to their hard work and dedication.
As the Farm took shape, it became a hub of activity and a source of joy for both seminarians and visitors alike. For Frt. Ian, the Farm became more than just a physical space; it was a bridge that brought people closer together. He recognized his role as a seminarian, referring to it as being an "alter Christus," where he strived to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for all who visited.
In a time marked by a prevailing culture of indifference, Frt. Ian acknowledged the challenge of fostering communion. However, he also recognized the vital role that the SVD Farm played in this pursuit. Through the sharing of time and talent, the Farm became a place where people could connect, practice a spirituality of stewardship, and experience communion with God, nature, and each other.
Frt. Ian expressed satisfaction with the cooperative spirit that prevailed throughout the project. He emphasized their gratitude to God for the talents, the sense of community, and the supportive individuals who became integral to this apostolate.
In Frt. Ian's journey at the SVD Farm, we find a story of resilience, connection, and a deepening sense of communion amidst challenging circumstances. The Farm not only nourished the earth but also nurtured the souls of those who ventured there, fostering a sense of togetherness in a time when it was needed most.
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Frt. Jayvee C. Vagilidad, SVD, recounted how the pandemic necessitated a shift in their apostolate activities, prompting them to turn their attention inward to the seminary compound. What began as a simple cleaning of their old coffee plantation area evolved into the SVD Farm, a place where their community and visitors could encounter God in silence, prayer, and communion with nature.
Usually, Frt. Jayvee shared that they were assigned to nearby parishes and apostolate areas, fostering a deep connection with the communities they served. However, the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns restricted their ability to continue these vital outreach efforts.
Frt. Jayvee vividly recalled his immersion in the Sta. Rosa Heights Community under the Parish of San Antonio de Padua in Pooc, Silang, which was only for a brief period due to the pandemic's impact. He shared, "My immersion there was only for a half year because by January 2020, the effects of the pandemic slowly took effect, and movement of people was restricted."
Amidst the challenges and restrictions, Fr. Sam provided guidance and a new direction. He encouraged the seminarians to channel their missionary zeal and energy into their own seminary compound. What started as a simple clearing of the land soon blossomed into the seeds of what is now the magnificent SVD Farm.
Frt. Jayvee described the transformation of this once-overgrown and underutilized area. He explained, "With the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the leadership of our Father Rector, as well as the joyful camaraderie-driven hard work of the SVD priests and scholastics, we were able to lay the foundation of the Farm, from which our SVD community now benefits widely."
The SVD Farm serves as an example of the seminary's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. However, it has become much more than that. Visitors from all walks of life cherish their time spent at the SVD Farm.
Frt. Jayvee emphasized its significance, stating, "Although we are the main beneficiaries of the SVD Farm, it is also undeniable that people cherish the time they spend in visiting our Farm, being brought into encounter with God through silence and prayer, as well as being brought into communion with nature and with other visitors."
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As November 8, 2020 rolled around, the SVD Farm's ambitions expanded beyond the fields. Construction began on the SVD Café, an establishment that would nourish both the body and the spirit. The formal launch of the Farm to its first public visitors on January 29, 2021, also coincided with the blessing of the Café.
During the launch of the Café, the SVD priests and seminarians took on vital roles as ushers, donning their cassocks proudly, symbolizing their dedication to the Farm.
To this day, visitors will find SVD priests and seminarians helping out at the farm production areas, SVD Café, the Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor, and other areas of the SVD Farm. Some of these members of the SVD Tagaytay Community have been contributing their time and effort to the Farm since its beginning, while others have joined them as new volunteers who share their passion for the Farm’s mission of upholding Laudato Si’.
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The SVD Farm has not only strengthened the bonds within the SVD community but has also become a place of encounter, reflection, and unity for all who visit. What was once idle land had transformed into a thriving community hub, promising even greater growth and blessings in the future. Their dedication and faith had not only cultivated the land but also touched the hearts of those they served.
The SVD Farm's first five months show us the dedication and adaptability of the SVD priests and seminarians. Their journey, guided by faith and a desire to care for the earth, transformed idle land into a thriving agricultural haven and a spiritual retreat for all who visited.
To watch a video presentation about the SVD priests and seminarians who worked on the SVD Farm during its first five months, click the following link:
www.facebook.com/watch/?v=414111376368760
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For reservations and other information, including ways to support and connect with the SVD Farm, contact us through:
📞 0905-106-5499
📧 contact@svdlaudatosifarmfoundation.org.