Meet Apolinario “Pol” Arquillano-Flores, veteran farmer from the SVD Laudato Si’ Farm.
Pol is a seasoned farmer with nearly 30 years of experience. His dedication to agriculture, resilience, and commitment to sustainable food supply was evident in his pursuit of self-sufficiency. His understanding of the patience and hard work required in farming is inspiring.
Born on October 5, 1966, Pol’s journey as a farmer and fisherman began at the age of 15 in Ormoc, Leyte. It was his beloved grandfather who took him under his wing, imparting the age-old wisdom of tilling the land and the importance of agriculture. In those early years, Pol learned to plow the fields using a water buffalo, as the cost of modern machinery was prohibitively high.
Pol's dedication to agriculture was remarkable. Beyond the fields, he ventured into the waters, fishing for tulingan and galunggong to not only feed his family but also to secure extra produce for sale. This additional income was crucial for investing in essentials like fertilizers and chemicals needed for his crops.
During those formative years, Pol's dedication to farming extended across two separate locations. Paul diligently tended to his family's own farm, where he cultivated maize and bananas on a half-hectare of land. This plot not only provided sustenance for his family but also served as a source of extra produce for sale. At the same time, Pol also took on the role of a tenant at a rice field, where he managed another half-hectare of agricultural land.
This dual responsibility showcases Pol’s strong work ethic and commitment to agriculture, even at an early age. It's noteworthy that he embraced the challenges and responsibilities of both land farming and tenant farming, demonstrating his versatility as a farmer.
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Pol's farming journey was not without its challenges. As he learned early on, it took approximately three months before he could realize any financial returns from his agricultural endeavors. Recognizing this, Pol wisely diversified his income streams. He understood the importance of having alternative sources of income during those waiting periods, and he was more than willing to put in the hard work required.
Despite the challenges, Pol found immense joy in the act of planting and nurturing his crops. His dedication was fueled by the satisfaction of seeing his fields in full bloom and the pride he took in producing high-quality agricultural products.
Pol's connection to the agricultural community runs deep, and it's evident that farming is not just a profession for him but a way of life. Unlike some who may be drawn to social gatherings with friends, Pol's heart truly belongs to the fields. He finds fulfillment and contentment in the solitude and hard work that come with tilling the land. "Masaya kaming magkakapatid sa trabaho namin sa bukid," said Pol.
Pol’s with his siblings is a testament to the values instilled in them by their family. Together, they find joy and fulfillment in working side by side in the fields. Their unity in labor reflects a strong sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the noble and rewarding profession of farming.
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The importance of agriculture as a source of organic food cannot be overstated in Pol's family. They firmly believe that the food they grow on their land not only sustains them but also nourishes them in the healthiest way possible. This commitment to organic farming is a point of pride for Pol's family, passed down from generation to generation. They see it as their responsibility to provide not just for themselves but also for their community, offering fresh and chemical-free produce that promotes good health.
For Pol, agriculture has been an invaluable opportunity to learn responsibility from a young age. His parents instilled in him the belief that working on the farm was not just a means to an end but a valuable education in itself. By actively participating in farm work, Pol and his siblings learned the importance of diligence, discipline, and accountability. They understood that the success of their farm depended on their hard work and dedication.
Pol’s experience, expertise, and hard work have allowed him to provide not only for his wife and three children but also to contribute to the welfare of their extended family and community. Moreover, he expresses profound happiness in the world of agriculture. For him, it's not just a job; it's a calling that brings joy and fulfillment to his life. During his childhood, he looked forward to each stage of the farming process, from planting to harvest. The excitement he felt as the harvest season approached was so palpable that it often kept him awake at night, as he anxiously watched over his thriving crops. He said.
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In 1986, Pol embarked on a new chapter of his agricultural career as he moved from Ormoc, Leyte to Old Kano's Farm. For the next five years, from 1986 to 1991, he engaged in various essential tasks that were integral to the farm's operations.
Pol took on the role of preparing soil for the farm's seedlings, a role he dubbed "tagaluto ng lupa." This involved meticulous work, including soil disinfection and the careful preparation of the containers (recycled soft-drink plastic bags) for the farm's nursery. Pol worked alongside the farm's personnel to ensure that the soil was ready to nurture the young plants, sharing his expertise in understanding the land's health and its suitability for various crops.
As a dedicated farmer, Pol also assumed the role of planter responsible for planting and nurturing crops. He understood the importance of fertilization and utilized fish waste products as a natural fertilizer, demonstrating his resourcefulness and commitment to sustainable farming practices. Pol's role extended to being in charge of harvesting, where he skillfully harvested a variety of vegetables, including greens, cauliflower, labanos (radish), lettuce, and repolyo (cabbage).
As a planter leader, Pol also assumed the responsibility of supervising the cleaning of the land to prepare it for planting, ensuring that it was in optimal condition for cultivation. He also played a crucial role in teaching young individuals who came from Biñan, specifically from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), as part of their on-the-job training (OJT). Pol's guidance extended for one week at a time, during which he patiently taught the OJT participants various aspects of farming, including how to cultivate the land, apply compost, and plant crops. His mentorship not only imparted practical knowledge but also inspired these young individuals to develop a genuine interest in farming.
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In 1994, Pol made a significant decision to return to his hometown in Ormoc, Leyte, with a clear purpose: to support the education of his children. Over the course of 16 years, from 1994 to 2010, he resumed his life as a farmer in the familiar surroundings of the family's old farm.
His primary motivation for this move was to ensure that his children received the education they needed. With a deep sense of responsibility, Pol dedicated himself to farming once again. He embraced the land and the work it entailed with renewed vigor.
During these years, Pol's life revolved around the farm. Whether he was in the rice paddies, heading to the sea for a fishing expedition, or tending to the cornfields, he found unadulterated enjoyment in every moment. What made this period even more fulfilling was the presence of his children and siblings. Together, they formed a close-knit team, all actively participating in the farming activities. This sense of togetherness, the shared labor, and the mutual support added an extra layer of happiness to their daily lives.
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From 2010 to 2021, Pol's life took a different turn as he left the rural landscapes of Ormoc and ventured into the bustling city of Manila. During this period, he engaged in construction work, a field vastly different from the agriculture he had dedicated his life to.
However, despite the change in his occupation, Pol's heart remained rooted in agriculture. The construction work in Manila, while providing a means of livelihood, failed to bring him the joy and fulfillment he had experienced on the farm. It became evident that Pol's true passion lay in the fields, where he had spent the majority of his life nurturing the land and reaping the rewards of his hard work.
Pol shared his enjoyment of manual labor. For him, it was not just a job but a nostalgic journey back to his childhood as a farmer. The simplicity of working with his hands and being in tune with the land brought him a sense of fulfillment that transcended the demands of modern life. Pol's story reflects the profound contentment that can be found in the uncomplicated yet deeply meaningful work of agriculture, serving as an inspiration to others who share his love for the land.
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In 2021, Pol found his way back to the world of farming, and it was a significant turning point in his career. He joined the SVD Farm as a farmer, an opportunity that came about through an invitation from his cousin, Ronald Antigua-Arquillano.
Upon his arrival at the SVD Farm, Pol's initial tasks involved tending to the soil and engaging in the process of "gamas," which likely refers to soil preparation and improvement techniques. This hands-on experience allowed him to reconnect with the very essence of agriculture that had always been close to his heart.
As he settled into his role, Pol was introduced to farm production activities, marking his official entry into the world of modern farming practices. His responsibilities included planting leafy greens, a task that allowed him to apply the knowledge and skills he had acquired throughout his extensive career as a farmer. It was a chance for Pol to showcase his expertise and contribute to the SVD Farm's goals of sustainable food production.
In 2023, Pol continued his work at the SVD Farm, now under the guidance of Ronnel Olivar-Landicho. His dedication and commitment to farming were evident as he witnessed the growth and expansion of the SVD Farm. Pol firmly believed that hard work and diligence were the driving forces behind the farm's progress, and he actively contributed to this success through his unwavering dedication.
Pol's perspective on farming was rooted in the principle that "kapag wala kang sipag, hindi lalago ang trabaho mo" (without diligence, your work will not prosper). This strong work ethic had been a constant throughout his career, and he understood that it was this very quality that allowed him and his fellow farmers to make significant strides in their agricultural endeavors.
His happiness in his role at the SVD Farm was palpable. Pol found joy in witnessing the expansion of crops, which was made possible through the collective diligence and hard work of everyone involved. He knew that this happiness was not just a fleeting emotion but a result of a fulfilling life spent in the fields.
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Pol shared a message to young farmers and aspiring individuals interested in agriculture carries the wisdom of his experience, comparing the past to the present.
Pol acknowledged that farming was a physically demanding job that kept his body constantly engaged and in motion. However, he viewed this as a positive aspect, recognizing that it was a form of exercise that contributed to his overall well-being. For him, farming wasn't just a job; it was a way of life that offered longevity through the physical activity it entailed.
In the past, Pol emphasizes the value of children following in the footsteps of their parents and receiving training from their elders in the art of farming. This traditional approach instilled gratitude for their parents' guidance and underscored the importance of focusing on the work itself. Back then, farming wasn't just a livelihood; it was a way of life that brought families and communities together, contributing significantly to their well-being.
To the youth of today, Pol's message is clear: It's crucial to learn how to work the land, to plant vegetables and engage in agriculture. He encourages young people to embrace the values of hard work and dedication that are at the core of farming. By doing so, they can make a significant contribution not only to their own families but also to their communities.
Pol's message serves as a reminder of the enduring value of agriculture and the vital role it plays in sustaining families and communities. His words carry the weight of experience and the hope that the younger generation will continue the noble tradition of farming, ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for all.
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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.