Tagaytay City—The SVD Laudato Si' Farm was recognized by the Department of Agriculture Region 4A (DA-4A), through its Organic Agriculture Program (OAP), as an organic agriculture “success story.”
The SVD Farm's inspiring journey was featured in a video from the titled "Sustainability and Spirituality: SVD Farm Success Story," published last October 1, 2021, which features a heartfelt interview with Rev. Fr. Samuel “Sam” Naceno-Agcaracar, SVD, Executive Director of the SVD Farm and Rector of the SVD-Tagaytay Community.
The story of the SVD Farm, according to the DA-4A, is a story of hope and sustainability in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In their feature, the DA-4A described the Farm as such—“isang bahay-dalanginan sa Tagaytay na hindi lamang nakapag-papakalma, ngunit lugar din ng mga organikong produkto na tinatangkilik ng mga nagpupunta rito.”
“One side of the SVD Farm, which is very important, is the farming where we can produce organic products for a healthy lifestyle. (The other side) of the Farm is the spiritual side,” said Fr. Sam in the beginning of his message.
"We create a community, a people of God, people who are closer to the Lord," Fr. Sam continued, emphasizing the importance of human connections and sharing both joys and burdens. This spiritual aspect, combined with their dedication to organic farming, has made the SVD Farm not just a source of organic products but also a center for rejuvenation and growth.
Fr. Sam recounted the beginning of the Farm's journey in September 2020, during the “Season of Creation,” as designated by Pope Francis for each year, from September 1 (the World Day of Prayer for Creation) to October 4 (the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi).
According to Fr. Sam, the idea for the Farm emerged from the desire to utilize the idle land for sustainable purposes, including providing the seminarians of the Divine Word Seminary Tagaytay (DWST) with nutritious vegetables. As a religious missionary congregation, he recognized the call to “go back to the soil and care for the earth,” recognizing that safeguarding the planet is an integral part of their faith.
Facing initial financial challenges, the Farm received crucial support from the Department of Agriculture and other generous public and private benefactors,Fr. Sam recalled. He also expressed gratitude for these early supporters of the Farm which, according to him, enabled the Farm to hire and employ many people who lost their jobs during the pandemic. This collaboration not only helped the Farm thrive but also became an avenue for empowering the local community.
Fr. Sam shared his vision for the Farm to become a beacon of hope and ecotourism, where people can reconnect with nature, learn about sustainable practices, and develop a new consciousness for protecting the planet.
According to Fr. Sam, the SVD Farm's mission extends beyond just food production. He discussed the Farm’s six pillars of sustainability, encompassing areas like energy, water, livelihood, knowledge, and lifestyle.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Fr. Sam stated that the SVD Farm remained a safe haven, adhering to strict health and safety protocols to protect staff and visitors. He also said that he looks forward to a time when they can fully welcome visitors, providing them with an opportunity to experience the Farm's tranquility, interact with nature, and encounter God.
The success story of the SVD Farm serves as an inspiring reminder that even small parcels of land can be transformed into sustainable sources of nourishment and spirituality. With a deep commitment to their mission and support from various stakeholders, the Farm stands as a testament to the power of unity in building a healthier, more sustainable future.
Fr. Sam highlighted how the Farm’s mission is enabled through collaboration, saying, “This is the mission of the church, but at the same time, we need the government. We need one another to push and advance this advocacy.”
Fr. Sam also expressed his hope that the Farm would inspire others towards the same mission of addressing the issue of food production. “The story of the SVD farm is a story that hopefully will inspire all of us that we can produce our own food in our own little ways, through even the small parcels of land that we have in our backyards,” he said.
The SVD Farm, as well as other similar initiatives, were proposed by Fr. Sam as possible approaches to this issue that anyone could implement in their respective places, especially with the inspiration of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’.
“Huwag po sana tayong umasa lamang sa kultura ng konsumerismo na lahat ay binibili na lamang natin. We still have enough spaces where we can grow our own vegetables. We have to teach this to our younger generation,” said Fr. Sam.
“Hinihikayat ko po kayong lahat na bisitahin kami dito,” concluded Fr. Sam.
***
Watch the DA 4A OAP’s video feature about the SVD Farm through the link below:
Otherwise, watch the complete “Success Story” playlist, which features the SVD Farm, as well as Lihim ng Kubli (Indang, Cavite farm) and Leo Casaclang (Sariaya, Quezon farmer), through the link below:
***
For reservations and other information, including ways to support and connect with the SVD Farm, contact us through:
📞 0905-106-5499
📧 contact@svdlaudatosifarmfoundation.org.