Features—Tatay Rogelio, Tatay Lorenzo, and Tatay Jessie, the SVD Farm’s elderly farmers, share their stories
Allow us to introduce you to three remarkable individuals from the SVD Laudato Si' Farm who have dedicated their lives to nurturing the land—Rogelio Sabidolas (left), Lorenzo Sarabia (right), and Jessie Roselo (middle).
Seventy-five year-old Rogelio Sabidolas, born in the fertile province of Antique, Western Visayas, inherited a legacy of farming from his family. His journey into agriculture commenced at a tender age of 15, when he embarked on a self-guided exploration of the farming realm. He lent a helping hand to relatives during their planting seasons and absorbed knowledge during his travels.
Rogelio's adventures led him to Mindanao, where he spent significant time living with relatives and tending their farms. In 1975, he ventured to Pala-Pala, Dasmariñas, Cavite, collaborating with friends to cultivate sugarcane. However, his wanderlust eventually took him back to Mindanao, where he found his true calling—farming.
In 1979, Rogelio tied the knot in Antique, and over the years, he honed his farming skills while providing for his growing family. In 2005, he made the fateful move to Tagaytay, accompanying his grandchild, and decided to stay. He worked as a maintenance personnel at Robinson's Tagaytay while cultivating gardens in the neighborhood during his free time.
In 2021, he became an integral part of the SVD Farm team, primarily responsible for clearing the land before planting. Reflecting on his work, Rogelio remarked, "Hindi naman ganoong masakit sa katawan ang trabaho ko, sanay na kasi ako. Kaysa sa bahay lang ako. Dito sa SVD Farm, hindi ramdam ang sakit ng katawan. Haplas-haplas lang."
As he encourages the younger generation to consider farming, he shares his wisdom, "Ang mga bata ngayon, hindi na gustong magsaka. Kung hindi man kayo maging farmer, dapat ay magsikap kayo. Hangga't kaya pa, malakas pa naman ako, itutuloy ko ito."
Rogelio concludes, "Nakasuporta talaga ang farming sa buhay," highlighting the profound importance of farming in one's life.
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Sixty-two year-old Lorenzo Sarabia, born in the coastal province of Bataan, embarked on a different journey in his youth. At the tender age of 15, he took on the formidable role of a fisherman, shouldering the responsibility of providing for his family. The pursuit of education was a luxury, as he navigated the challenges of the fishing industry, including the detrimental practice of dynamite fishing.
After leaving his hometown, Lorenzo found himself in Tagaytay, where he pivoted to work in construction. However, it was a seismic shift in his life when, 17 years ago, at the age of 59, he decided to embark on a new career as a farmer at the SVD Farm. In those early days, machinery was a luxury, and he and his fellow farmers toiled with their hands, cultivating crops such as cabbage, eggplant, pechay, and chili.
Despite the late start, Lorenzo's dedication is unwavering, as he states, "Sinusuportahan ko ang anak ko. Nagtatrabaho ako hangga't malakas pa ako, basta makaraos."
Reflecting on the hardships he has faced, Lorenzo emphasizes the importance of traditional fruits and vegetables like kamote and saging na saba, which he believes are highly nutritious.
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Seventy-three year-old Jessie Roselo, originally from Leyte, has experienced significant hardship throughout his life, resulting in hearing impairment. Today, Rogelio and Lorenzo stand as his vocal advocates, describing a diligent and spirited worker.
Jessie relocated to Tagaytay, specifically in Brgy. Mag-asawang Ilat, where he cultivated a small garden with kamoteng kahoy. His next stint was at the Blue Sisters’ Convent, where he performed tasks such as sweeping and weeding. Renowned for his tireless work ethic, Jessie commences his duties as early as 6:00 AM, earning the admiration of his colleagues.
Despite his hearing impairment, Jessie remains cheerful and a good sport, often the subject of friendly banter among his co-workers.
For reservations and other information, including ways to support and connect with the SVD Farm, contact us through:
📞 0905-106-5499
📧 contact@svdlaudatosifarmfoundation.org.