Meet Abdiel Ambat-Oriondo, fruit area supervisor of the SVD Laudato Si’ Farm.
Abdiel, born in 1999 in Brgy. Maitim II Central, possesses a deeply rooted connection to agriculture that has been a part of his life from a very young age. Hailing from a family with a strong agricultural background, Abdiel's passion for farming was instilled in him by his lola (grandmother) on his father's side.
Abdiel's commitment to agriculture goes beyond a mere occupation; it is a way of life. He has consistently chosen to cultivate crops and raise livestock instead of purchasing them from external sources. As a young farmer, Abdiel actively participated in planting and nurturing banana (saging) and coffee (kape) crops in his grandmother's backyard. These early farming experiences laid the foundation for his future in agriculture.
Abdiel's family had always relied on their farm produce for sustenance, adhering to the practice of consuming only what they can finish (“Kainin lang kung ano ang kaya ninyong ubusin”). His family ensured that surplus harvest was sold, contributing not only to their livelihood but also to the local community's access to fresh, locally grown produce.
From his formative years through elementary to high school, Abdiel was no stranger to hard work in agriculture. Every weekend, he engaged in agricultural activities, not only as a means of sustenance but also as a source of funds for his education.
Upon reaching college, Abdiel initially pursued a different path, delving into the automotive field. However, his heart remained rooted in the soil, and in 2019, he made the decision to discontinue his college education and instead recommence his journey in farming.
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In 2007, Abdiel's journey in agriculture took an exciting turn when he was exposed to the vast potential of the land that would later become the SVD Farm. At that time, the land was still a forested area, and Abdiel witnessed the transformation of this land into a thriving farm.
During the early stages when the land was still covered in forest, Abdiel was actively involved in cultivating a variety of crops, including coffee, pineapples, taro, and avocados. He served as a tenant on this land, which was owned by the SVD Tagaytay Community. Abdiel's approach to farming was characterized by adaptability and resourcefulness, focusing on what could be grown and sold from the land.
Throughout this period, Abdiel worked closely with his father to cultivate and manage the land. Their collaborative efforts involved not only planting and harvesting but also the ongoing maintenance and development of the Farm.
One of Abdiel's remarkable contributions to agriculture was his role in preparing seedlings (punla) at his grandmother's farm. This preparatory work involved meticulous care and attention to detail. Subsequently, these seedlings were transplanted to the land adjacent to the SVD Tagaytay Community.
Abdiel’s return to farming was marked by a significant turning point, as Abdiel sought mentorship and training under the guidance of Ronnel Olivar-Landicho, his uncle. Under Ronnel’s tutelage, Abdiel's agricultural skills were honed and enhanced. He learned the processes of tending to and nurturing various crops, such as banana, black pepper, and ginger. Abdiel also adopted sustainable practices, ensuring that some of the produce was reserved for replanting, thereby contributing to the cycle of growth and sustainability.
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In February 3, 2021, Abdiel joined the SVD Farm on a part-time basis while pursuing his studies in automotive at Cavite State University (CAVSU) in Indang, Cavite. During this period, he worked as a server at the SVD Farm, showcasing his dedication to both his education and his passion for agriculture.
Abdiel's path took another significant turn when he was convinced by Rev. Fr. Samuel “Sam” Naceno-Agcaracar and Rev. Fr. Ricardo “Jhon” Crisostomo, SVD, the Executive Director and General Manager of the SVD Farm, to resume his studies. They presented him with an offer that allowed him to continue his education while also focusing on farming.
Abdiel's responsibilities at the SVD Farm expanded, including overseeing greenhouse farming, managing hormones for flowering plants, and implementing organic pest control methods. His relentless pursuit of excellence in agriculture has led him to focus primarily on farming, even obtaining a driver's license to assist with farm-related tasks. Abdiel's dedication to the SVD Farm and his family remains unwavering, making him a versatile and valuable asset to both.
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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.